Carmi native, E. Claude James, 83, of Belleville, died on February 1 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Mr. James had worked in the oil fields for 18 years and then retired in April 1995 after 18 years as a welder, from Hart & Carter in Gridley, IL. He played many instruments, though he did not read music.
Survivors include sons, Claude Edward (Shela) James, Alfred Lee (Bobbie Sue) James, Elijah Isiah James and D.A. (Mary) Grant; daughter, Vivian Claudine (Scott) Brown; daughter-in-law, Angela James; brothers, Clarence James, Everett James, Edgar James, Julius James; ½ brother, Harold Wayne James; ½ sisters, Joyce Stinson, JoAnn Bryant and Janice James; 18 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for E. Claude James will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi with burial in North Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi.