James Norman Camden

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Millikin University

James Camden Obituary

DECATUR - James Norman Camden passed away Sunday afternoon, May 23, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral mass will be 10:00 AM Thursday May 27, 2010 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Rick Weltin officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday May 26, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Dawson & Wikoff North Funeral Home on US 51, Decatur. Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery with military rites. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at www.dawson-wikoff.com Jim was born July 20, 1925 in Pocahontas, IA to Pearl and Violet Camden. He spent all of his boyhood in the Milmine-Bement area. He was a good athlete, competing in basketball and football in high school. He later attended Millikin University after serving in the Navy during WWII. He was a member of the Seabees while stationed in the South Pacific. He was employed at Houdaille-Hershey after the war, and then was co-owner of Rusk TV & Appliance. He retired after being a real estate broker for over 20 years. He was very involved in his church, Our Lady of Lourdes and active in community service organizations. He was a life time member and Past President of the Ambucs, was a member of Golden K and South Side Country Club. He enjoyed going to horse shows with his children. He was recognized as Unsung Hero of the Week; he loved children and was known as Mr. Jim by both kids and adults. He was an avid bowler, golfer and loved to play gin rummy. Jim was a huge Illini fan, always wearing his "Illini gear" and attended football and basketball games for years. He was a Friday night regular for dinners at the American Legion. Jim traveled the world, enjoying the flavor of each country he visited. He kissed the "blarney stone" and rode camels in Istanbul. He married Marilyn Rusk and had two children, and then many years later married Barbara Hall. He was preceded by Barbara, his parents, two sisters and one brother. Jim is survived by brothers Robert (Barney) Camden of Bement and George Camden of Ballwin, MO, sisters Dorcas Ackers and her husband Gary of Decatur, IL, and Edith Dudley and her husband Charles of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Cindy Totten and husband Tom of Olney, IL, son Curt Camden and wife Ruth of Decatur, IL, grandchildren Ty Totten and Ashley Camden, several nieces and nephews and long time special friend Marge Stallard. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp

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Published by Decatur Herald & Review from May 26 to May 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Camden

6 Entries

LYLA RILEY

June 1, 2010

CAMDEN FAMILY. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I WAS IN THE FAMLY BY MARRIAGE. MY HUSBAND CHARLES RILEY WAS JIMS FIRST COUSIN. HE WAS A SWELL GUY. GOD BLESS.---

May 27, 2010

My name is Jim Jordan - Jim was my daughter's realitor many years ago. Jim led her right - she is still in the house he found and sold to her in a safe area. I remember Jim - not a nicer guy around - was not one just to get her money - he really cared - a way that is really hard to find today. We liked Jim and am really sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. His family can really be proud to have had such a good HONEST man. Really sorry to read the above.
Jim Jordan
4100 North Woodlawn
Decatur, Illinois - 62526
877-2635

May 26, 2010

I remember Jim as a fun loving kiwanian. I know he will be greatly missed at our meetings. He was one that could sing the Mimine song. Dave McGlade

Jack Niederkorn

May 26, 2010

Cindy and Curt; I am so saddened to hear that your dad and my friend passed away. I regret that I'm unable to attend the funeral. I was in Decatur for a few hours ten days ago, and was thinking of your dad. I called and his phone was disconnected. I couldn't find Curt's or Margie's numbers in the phone book. I will always regret that I didn't get to spend a few minutes with him that day. As you know for twenty years we were the best of friends. I truly consider him the best friend I have had in my life. Oh how he loved you kids and those two granchildren. He always talked about Ty's show horses and what a good rider he was. Later his visits to Cal. and see Ashley. It was the joy of his life. Jim was a "GOOD MAN" He loved life, he loved family' he loved friends (think of all those cards he would send out) and he loved God. Uncle Jum was a unique person. What a legacy he leaves to the people in Decatur whom he served for so many yearsYour Obit Said it all. He loved to talk about Melmine,The Seabees Milikan, softball, golf , gin, bowling and just plain kidding around. I WOULD BE REMISS IF Ididn't say a special Thanks to Marge.She took good care of him, watched over him, helped him at work and was a loving companion for many years.
My sympathy is with you now during these times. May God Bless you all and may Jim find peace and happiness in heaven.

Don & Cyndi Van Lyssel

May 26, 2010

Jim was the essence of the way to age gracefully! He always had a smile & "positive attitude" outlook. It just made your day better for having seen him!
I told my wife several years ago that with so many "grumpy old men" around, it was Jim who I vowed to try to copy as I age!
What a great example he was to us all- Cyndi and I will miss him a lot.
Our sincere condolences- Jim will be remembered with a smile!
Don and Cyndi Van Lyssel

Joe Frydenger

May 26, 2010

It was with much sadness that my wife called me and told me of Uncle Jim's passing. I apologize that I cannot be there as I am on military duty. I wanted you all to to know that Uncle Jim was one of my favorite people. He always had a good word for everyone. I will truly miss him as he was one of a kind. I am sure there is a Camden Heaven reunion going on right now. God bless you.

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