James Alan Snyder Sr

James Alan Snyder, Sr., age 97, of Peoria, formerly Lisle, IL, passed away at Lutheran Hillside Village on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

James was born August 17, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska to Dr. Wilbert and Margaret (Hannon) Snyder. He graduated from Louisville High School in Nebraska and attended Creighton University. While at Creighton he met Adeline C. Walega, and they were married on June 11, 1949.

James was stationed in Kansas with the USAF during the Korean War, where he served as an air policeman. He continued his career in law enforcement, working for the U.S Treasury Department's ATF Bureau, retiring from government service in 1978. Following retirement, he was involved with both the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Survivors include three sons: Daniel (Cindy), Thomas, and Robert (Lois); one daughter Mary Clare (James) Geraghty; three daughters-in-law: Janet Snyder, Suzanne Snyder and Linda Snyder; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Adeline, two sons: Dr. James Jr. and John; and two grandsons: Jeremy and Jacob.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12:30 PM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 PM. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate, and burial will take place at a later date in Bellevue, Nebraska where he and Adeline will be laid to rest together.

In lieu of flowers preferred memorials in James's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share James's memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)