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James Phelan Obituary
PEORIA - James E. Phelan, 88, of Peoria passed away at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1918, in Peoria to John and Margaret Ellen Woods Phelan. He married Fern Blossom on Dec. 16, 1939, in Peoria. She passed away on Sept. 12, 1993, in Peoria.
He is survived by one son, James (Cathy) Phelan of Peoria; two daughters, Nancy Phelan of Groveland and Judith (Howard) Goins of Sunnyland; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert (Mary) Phelan of Arizona.
He first worked for the Peoria City Lines, last working as a operations manager. He later worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 16 years, until retiring.
James was a World War II Army veteran, serving with the 7th Armored Division, 38th Infantry Battalion. He was wounded Dec. 26, 1944, at the Battle of the Bulge, returning to active duty and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also served as an honor guard for Gen. Eisenhower.
He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, American Legion, DAV and Knights of Columbus Third Degree, Spalding Council 427.
A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Ann's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Terry Cassidy officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
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Vicki Mesecher
November 22, 2020
Judy, Nancy, & family,
So very sorry to hear of your father's passing.
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Jamie Decker
November 12, 2007
Nancy,Judy,and Jim - Sorry to hear about your dad. Jim was a great guy and i will always remember the times we had shared when i was younger, especially digging up grubs in the front yard, or me knocking on the door to see if he could come out and play. I sure will miss him.
Fritz and Sherry Weisbruch
November 12, 2007
Jim,Nancy and Judy We were sorry to hear about your father. We have many fond memories of Jim and Fern from family gatherings to the licquor store. They were wonderful folks and we will all miss them. We are in Florida so we were unable to attend the services.
Linda Elder
November 11, 2007
to Jim,Judy,and Nancy,my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.Your dad was a lot of fun and especially the stories he told.Jim will be greatly missed.
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JUDY AND DAVID CLEMONS
November 10, 2007
Remembering Jim will always bring a smile to my face. Through the years, being my neighbor as well as my friend, has given myself, David, my children, and all of my family many memories to cherish. I believe God had a plan in our lives from the first time we met. Jim and Fern together helped me through some pretty rough times. We laughed a lot at stories they told me about their lives together. They were a very unique couple, who love their family very much, and Im proud they let me be a part of it. May God bless and comfort you in knowing your loved one is now reunited with the love of his life. My love and sympathy goes out to each and every one of you. Judy and David clemons
Gina Wesley (Phelan)
November 9, 2007
Your family is in our prayers at this time of loss. Uncle Jim will always be remembered in our hearts. Love, Gina, Ron, Sean, Christopher and Kiera Wesley
Helen Sims (Imes)
November 9, 2007
Jim, Judy, and Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
kendall hearn
November 9, 2007
to the james phelan family:our dad had great repect for jim at th e old city lines bus company.may god be with you at this time.kevin,kendall,&cynthia hearn.we are the children of the late reuben hearn who worked for jim.
Edward Phelan
November 9, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you on this sad occasion. He was a wonderful uncle and will be greatly missed. Much love, Ed, Paula, Bill, Nora, and Kate Phelan
Jenny Brooks aka ...Curly
November 9, 2007
Although your hearts are full of hurt & sorrow, please know that your dad is in a much better place with your mom. Today they are both looking down at all of you and are very proud of the kind, caring people they, as one, brought into this world. Your family will remain in my prayers.
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