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James Druin
1936 - 2025
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
James Druin Obituary
With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of James Roy Druin Sr. on November 27, 2025. Born June 14, 1936, in Kewanee, Illinois, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth and laughter touched everyone he met.
Jim married his sweetheart, Barbara Jean Reed, on August 14, 1958. For 67 years, they built a beautiful life together-a partnership rooted in love, respect, and shared dreams. Barbara survives him, along with their children, Jamie Lynn Druin Fleming, her husband Larry Fleming of the Villages, James Roy Druin Jr., his wife Dr Elizabeth Clyde Druin and two beloved grandchildren, Lydia Margaret Druin of Livingston, Montana, and Ryan Stewart Druin of Magnolia, Arkansas. Jim is also survived by his faithful feline companion, Marmalade, who brought him joy and comfort in his later years.
Jim's journey was marked by hard work and vision. After moving to California with Barbara, he joined MAB Services. He rose to become Vice President of Operations, helping guide the company to grow into the largest food service provider on the West Coast. In 1973, Jim and Barbara returned to Central Illinois to be closer to family, where Jim purchased Cater-Vend, Eastern Illinois food and vending service. He ran the business with pride until passing it on to his children in 1991-a testament to his dedication and family values.
Beyond his professional success, Jim was known for his fun-loving spirit and generous heart. He loved golf, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. His laughter was contagious, his stories unforgettable, and his presence a source of comfort and joy.
Jim's life was a testament to love, perseverance, and kindness. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 18 at Fairway Christian Church, 8400 E. CR 466, The Villages, Florida.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in Jim's honor could be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9098000&fr_id=154020&pg=personal.
Memories and Condolences
for James Druin
2 Entries
Terri Grim Oakley
December 11, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Jim was a kind and generous man and what a pleasure to have known.
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Jackie Clapp Joines
December 10, 2025
What a wonderful tribute! That truly summed up the man I met when first moving to Mattoon. His laugh was the best! Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
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