James Edwin Ankrom, 87, of Decatur, IL, passed from this earth on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. A visitation will be held at St. Thomas Church on Tuesday, April 11 from 4-5:30 pm with a memorial mass held immediately following officiated by Monsignor Michael Kuse of Quincy, IL.
A private graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 12th at Boiling Springs Cemetery.
Jim was born on February 18, 1936 in Lovington, IL. He was the son of Raymond Edwin Ankrom and Joy Audra (Roberts), one of 12 children.
He married Carolyn Sue Hildebrand on May 1, 1965 in Decatur, IL. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954 and was an Illinois State Trooper from 1957 to 1965. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service in 1996. He proudly served as union steward for local 751 where he fiercely fought for workers' rights. He served on the Board of Directors for Decatur Earthmover Credit Union. He was half of the talented team that lavishly decorated Swartz Restaurant for Christmas from 1972 – 1992, designing and constructing the beloved train trestle that ran throughout the restaurant.
His favorite title above all was "Pappy" to his grandchildren. Jim was a vital member of St. Thomas parish, an extraordinarily talented woodworker, and an avid fisherman.
He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 57 years; Daughter Peggy Sue (Jim) Baity; Grandchildren Ian James McKeown & Grace Nichole Baity, all of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
He was an extraordinary Husband, Father, In-Law, Grandpa, Brother and rarely met a stranger who didn't become his friend. The world will definitely feel his absence.
Per his wishes with gratitude for his healthy grandchildren, please direct memorial donations to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or call (800)822-6344
A private graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 12th at Boiling Springs Cemetery.
Jim was born on February 18, 1936 in Lovington, IL. He was the son of Raymond Edwin Ankrom and Joy Audra (Roberts), one of 12 children.
He married Carolyn Sue Hildebrand on May 1, 1965 in Decatur, IL. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954 and was an Illinois State Trooper from 1957 to 1965. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service in 1996. He proudly served as union steward for local 751 where he fiercely fought for workers' rights. He served on the Board of Directors for Decatur Earthmover Credit Union. He was half of the talented team that lavishly decorated Swartz Restaurant for Christmas from 1972 – 1992, designing and constructing the beloved train trestle that ran throughout the restaurant.
His favorite title above all was "Pappy" to his grandchildren. Jim was a vital member of St. Thomas parish, an extraordinarily talented woodworker, and an avid fisherman.
He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 57 years; Daughter Peggy Sue (Jim) Baity; Grandchildren Ian James McKeown & Grace Nichole Baity, all of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
He was an extraordinary Husband, Father, In-Law, Grandpa, Brother and rarely met a stranger who didn't become his friend. The world will definitely feel his absence.
Per his wishes with gratitude for his healthy grandchildren, please direct memorial donations to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or call (800)822-6344
James Edwin Ankrom, 87, of Decatur, IL, passed from this earth on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. A visitation will be held at St. Thomas Church on Tuesday, April 11 from 4-5:30 pm with a memorial mass held immediately following officiated by Monsignor Michael Kuse of Quincy, IL.
A private graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 12th at Boiling Springs Cemetery.
Jim was born on February 18, 1936 in Lovington, IL. He was the son of Raymond Edwin Ankrom and Joy Audra (Roberts), one of 12 children.
He married Carolyn Sue Hildebrand on May 1, 1965 in Decatur, IL. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954 and was an Illinois State Trooper from 1957 to 1965. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service in 1996. He proudly served as union steward for local 751 where he fiercely fought for workers' rights. He served on the Board of Directors for Decatur Earthmover Credit Union. He was half of the talented team that lavishly decorated Swartz Restaurant for Christmas from 1972 – 1992, designing and constructing the beloved train trestle that ran throughout the restaurant.
His favorite title above all was "Pappy" to his grandchildren. Jim was a vital member of St. Thomas parish, an extraordinarily talented woodworker, and an avid fisherman.
He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 57 years; Daughter Peggy Sue (Jim) Baity; Grandchildren Ian James McKeown & Grace Nichole Baity, all of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
He was an extraordinary Husband, Father, In-Law, Grandpa, Brother and rarely met a stranger who didn't become his friend. The world will definitely feel his absence.
Per his wishes with gratitude for his healthy grandchildren, please direct memorial donations to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or call (800)822-6344
A private graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 12th at Boiling Springs Cemetery.
Jim was born on February 18, 1936 in Lovington, IL. He was the son of Raymond Edwin Ankrom and Joy Audra (Roberts), one of 12 children.
He married Carolyn Sue Hildebrand on May 1, 1965 in Decatur, IL. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954 and was an Illinois State Trooper from 1957 to 1965. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service in 1996. He proudly served as union steward for local 751 where he fiercely fought for workers' rights. He served on the Board of Directors for Decatur Earthmover Credit Union. He was half of the talented team that lavishly decorated Swartz Restaurant for Christmas from 1972 – 1992, designing and constructing the beloved train trestle that ran throughout the restaurant.
His favorite title above all was "Pappy" to his grandchildren. Jim was a vital member of St. Thomas parish, an extraordinarily talented woodworker, and an avid fisherman.
He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 57 years; Daughter Peggy Sue (Jim) Baity; Grandchildren Ian James McKeown & Grace Nichole Baity, all of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
He was an extraordinary Husband, Father, In-Law, Grandpa, Brother and rarely met a stranger who didn't become his friend. The world will definitely feel his absence.
Per his wishes with gratitude for his healthy grandchildren, please direct memorial donations to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or call (800)822-6344
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
