James Bryan Obituary

James "Jim" M. Bryan, 83, of Rantoul, IL, formerly of Geneva, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in Urbana, IL after a brief illness. Jim was born November 3, 1925 in Charles City, Iowa to Tom and Ruth Bryan. He was brother to Robert (Tommy Lou) (Gilroy, CA), Dorothy (Robert) Kerr (Rockton, IL), Betty (Edward) Weiss (Alameda, CA) and his twin brother John, all of whom preceded him in death. His brother Bill and twin siblings Jean and John died before Jim was born. Jim served in WWII on the Navy Ship U.S.S. Mississippi. He attended Upper Iowa University and taught school for a short time. He then married Charlotte Bouillon of Charles City, Iowa. Jim and his first wife Charlotte sold radio advertisements for a time and Jim tried his hand at selling insurance before he eventually started working for Dukane Corp. as a Purchasing Agent in St. Charles, IL, where he stayed until his retirement in 1992. In 1967 three major events happened: There was the snows of the winter of 66-67, a tornado came through Geneva and destroyed his newly-built garage and in August Charlotte and infant son John Theodore died. Jim liked to tell the story that his first wife died on August 6 and he married his second wife August 7. Then he would slyly add with a wink -- three years later. In 1971 he married Phyllis Willock. Phyllis and Jim lived in Geneva, IL until 2003 when he and Phyllis moved to Rantoul, IL. He was a long-suffering Cubs fan, Bears fan and Hawkeye's fan. Jim had a great sense of humor which he had right up until the end. Jim was a sensitive soul who had a depth of love and kindness for many. Along with his wife, Phyllis, survivors also include his daughters Mary (Brookfield, IL), Jane (Doug) Jordahl (Rantoul, IL), Barbara Moerman (Waukesha, WI), Denise (John) Bratschun (Batavia, IL), Joy (Stewart) Kline (Macomb, IL), David (Patti) Willock (Colchester, IL) and James Willock. He was a wonderful Grandfather to Charlotte, Allison, Jared, Lindsay, Adrienne, Erin, Amber, Shawna and TJ. Great-Grandfather to Mason, Madelyn and Dillon. He was an adored uncle to Nancy, Jim, Linda, Liz, Jennifer, Barry, Steve and Bryan. He was a great son-in-law to Cleda Lynch (who, before marrying Phyllis, said with a wink that he wanted to meet the mother in case he wanted to marry her instead). Brother-in-law to Betty Hines (Dandridge, TN) and Ron Reining (Kingsport, TN). In addition to his first wife Charlotte and infant son John Theodore he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove, Rantoul, IL. Dr. Joe Scheets officiated. Memorials may be made to the J.W. Eater Band, Rantoul, IL. Info: (217) 892-9644.