Tarry L. James

CHARLESTON, IL – Tarry Lynn James, age 77 of Charleston, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ in his heavenly home on Monday, June 26, 2017 while at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Masonic Services will be conducted by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral chapel.  Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will follow with Reverend Sharon Patton officiating.  A private inurnment will take place in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.  It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Camp New Hope, the Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund, or to Old State Road Christian Church.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. 

Tarry was born March 25, 1940 in Charleston, Illinois the son of the late Russell and Thelma (Brooks) James.  His marriage to Jackie Gossett on September 15, 1961 established their family which would later add three children and eight grandchildren to their family tree.  Left to cherish his memory is Jackie, his loving and devoted wife of 55 years; his children, Kim Miller and husband Richard of Bloomington, Illinois, Kevin James of Charleston and Kelly Bacon and husband Doug, also of Charleston; his grandchildren, Aron Miller of Bloomington, Rachel Carlock (Wes) of St. Louis, Daniel Miller of Bloomington, Brandon Miller stationed in San Antonio, Texas with the U.S.A.F., Ella Miller and Ariel Miller of Bloomington and Garrett Bacon and Eva Bacon of Charleston; a sister, Kay Young (Albert) of Charleston; and three nephews and their families, Doug DeLong (Alicia) of Sullivan, Illinois, Brad DeLong (Tia) of West Linn, Oregon and Jeff DeLong (Cheryl) of Niwot, Colorado. 

Tarry was a 1958 graduate of Charleston High School and has maintained a close relationship with his classmates throughout the years.  Following graduation he served with the Army National Guard.  Tarry owned and operated a Marathon gas station located on 18th Street in Charleston and was a self-employed trucker, hauling for Miller Grain and making their weekly delivery to Canada for 20 years.  From the mid 1980’s until his retirement in 2005, he was employed as Road Commissioner for Charleston Township. 

Tarry possessed a deep and abiding faith and as a Charter Member of Old State Road Christian Church served his church family as an elder, on the board as a trustee, and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.  He was also a member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, Ansar Shrine and the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388.  For more than 40 years, Tarry was a member of the Charleston Country Club where he enjoyed many a round of golf with family and close friends. 

In addition to being an avid golfer, Tarry was also a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and was a big supporter and fan of Charleston Trojan sports, especially when his grandchildren were participating.   He was their biggest fan and often their “sideline coach”.    Tarry enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.  He was virtually a walking GPS – equipped with his favorite Rand McNally map Tarry could navigate you to any destination and also direct you to the restaurants with the best food along the way.  His sense of humor enhanced his ability to be a captivating storyteller.  In addition he was a wonderful conversationalist and because he never knew a stranger he accumulated a wealth of friends. 

Tarry’s kindness and infectious personality has created many wonderful memories which will be shared and treasured by those in the community he loved and served, by his many friends, and by his loving and devoted family.