James Paul Geffs

James Paul Geffs of Oblong, IL passed away at the age of 84 on February 2, 2026. He was born February 18, 1941, to James Bruce and Haddie Mae (Smith) Geffs in Terre Haute, IN. He married Carol Ann Adkisson November 26, 1960; she passed away September 1, 2009. He was fortunate to find love a second time when he met and married Lynn Patchett Kelley on August 2, 2014 in Willow Creek Church, Martinsville, IL; she survives.

Paul attended the one-room Cottonwood School, Johnson Township, Clark County, IL grades 2-8 and was instrumental in developing it as a community center after it closed. Paul was a 1959 graduate of Casey High School. He spent his life farming in the Moonshine area. He started at age 5 driving a tractor under the watchful eye of his dad. His father died suddenly when Paul was 22 making him the sole farmer of the family. He felt very inadequate, so he asked area farmers he respected for advice. When asked what he'd like to do when he retired, he quickly replied "farm". He loved to hunt and fish, providing food for his family. He also became a Mountain Man reenactor with a true love of muzzleloading rifles. Paul became a skilled craftsman producing 20 superb rifles from scratch. One day he told his wife Carol, who was an excellent quilt maker, that he thought he could do that, too, and he did! He helped piece a quilt each winter for the Cottonwood Community Center raffle, selecting the designs and striving for perfection in the piecing of the quilts. He and Carol also made one quilt together each winter. He passed his love of quilting on to Lynn when they married.

Paul was especially proud to own 50 acres of Geffs land, which was homesteaded in 1851 and to pass that land on to his son and grandchildren. He and Lynn took evening rides around the farmland looking at the crops and counting wildlife. He will be deeply missed. They shared a deep love of nature.

Paul grew up attending Walnut Chapel Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and teacher. He often mentored young men to get involved in teaching and studying the Word of God. He was a gifted song leader able to enthuse the congregation to heartfelt singing praising the Lord. Later he became a member of the Bellair Church of Christ and taught there as well.

In addition to his wife, Lynn, Paul is survived by his son, James Todd Geffs; grandson, James Andrew Geffs; granddaughter, Rebecca Geffs; step-grandsons, Levi Ring and Zachary (Kyrie) Ring; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ellen (Dale) Burkybile and Marilyn Trefz; brother-in-law, Bill Adkisson; as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; daughter Jody Lynne Geffs; daughter-in-law, Denise Geffs; and cousin, Jackie Dickey.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026 at Markwell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Bellair Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.

Donations may be made to Cottonwood Community Center c/o Sara Tingley, 3115 N. 600th St., Martinsville, IL 62442.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message; light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.