Mr. James "Jim" E. Demery

James “Jim” E. Demery, 81 of Abingdon, went to his Heavenly home Wednesday morning, May 16, 2018. 

He was born August 5, 1936 in Astoria, the son of Arch Gould and Opal (Raner) Demery He married Carol Hilton on July 27, 1960 in Canton.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Carol; two daughters, Yolanda (and Richard) Kelly of East Peoria and Lori Demery of Abingdon; one son, James “Bud” W. (and Darla) Demery of Bushnell; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bertha Newlan of Canton and Harriet Meeks of Eureka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Fred Demery, one son, Wendell Demery, one granddaughter, Jamie Smith, five sisters, Grace, Virginia, Merle, Mary and Marinda, a special nephew, Richard Hilton and his beloved dog, “Sassy”.

He grew up in Canton and worked at a bakery as a teenager.  He later served in the US Army for two years and was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin.  He lived in Prairie City for 17 years and served as a volunteer fireman.  He had lived in Abingdon since 1981.  He worked at the Abingdon Pottery for 37 ½ years, retiring in January of 1999.  He was a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan.  He enjoyed his morning coffee from Casey’s, his adult coloring books and word search puzzles.  He loved to mow his yard.  He sang Karaoke, and enjoyed listening to his son and Marty Smith.  He loved his church, Northwood Community Church Galesburg Campus.  His greatest joys were his family and family get-togethers.

As he had requested, cremation will be accorded.  His celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Abingdon Banking Center community room.  Sharing of memories will begin at 1:30 p.m. led by Rev. Marty Smith, Rev. Scott Cramer and Rev. Andrew Wingo.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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