Donald Ray James, 77, of Norris City passed away Friday, March 11, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL. He was born in Maunie, IL the son of Emeart Elvis and Donna Mae (Frymire) James. Don married Marilyn Joyce Brooks on February 16, 1968 and she preceded him in death on January 16, 2018. He began working on a barge at a young age before going to work in the oil field for 30 years. Don retired as a welder with LMI in Mt. Vernon, IN. Don faithfully served his county in the United States Army. He loved playing the guitar and singing along with fishing with his wife and family.
Don is survived by his four daughters, Diana Lynch of Belmont, MS, Judy (Christopher) Phillips of Herald, Kendra (David) Tharp of McLeansboro and Kelly (Kelly) Turrentine-Beauchamp of Norris City; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma Batteese and Daphne Bartley; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn, and four siblings, Leon James, Cleatus James, Verda Shepard and Daisy O’Neal.
A visitation for Donald Ray James, 77, of Norris City will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City. A graveside service with military honors by the Carmi American Legion and VFW will immediately follow the visitation at Powell Cemetery in Norris City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the Norris City American Legion and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City.