James Stone Obituary
Jim was born on March 5, 1933, in Peoria, Illinois, to Leslie E. Stone and Mary Lois Duncan. He grew up in Peoria and attended Woodruff High School, graduating in 1951.
He enlisted in the US Army in April of 1952. After basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, he was sent to Korea where he spent his entire service during and after the war. He attained a rank of Sergeant First Class. After returning from Korea, he attended Bradley University and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.
In 1955, he married Marilyn Nelson. They had two children – Marla D. Stone and Lynda J. Stone. In 196,1 he married Sharon Sue Wilcox. They had two children – Leslie S. Stone and James A. Stone, Jr.
After graduation, Jim worked for the Alaska Department of Transportation in Nome and the Illinois Department of Transportation in Peoria. He retired in 1991.
He was an avid golfer and loved fishing and wood carving.
Jim was preceded in death by Sharon Sue Wilcox on September 29, 2022. He is survived by 4 children – Marla D. Stone (Beth), Lynda J. Gates (Jim), Leslie S. Swearinger (John), and James A. Stone, Jr (Angie). He also has 4 grandchildren – Jennifer Pearson, Brandi Lester (Gabe), Jamie Gray (Derek), and Tessa Banfield (Gage). In addition, he has 2 great grandchildren – Duncan Gray and Fern Gray plus one due in February 2026 – Danika Sue Banfield.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Wright and Salmon Mortuary with a half hour prior visitation. A grave side service will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Kickapoo. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Wright and Salmon Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 401 NE Monroe St, Peoria, IL, 61603.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Jerry Lutker
January 4, 2026
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at IDOT. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.
Jerry Lutker
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Jack Franklin
December 26, 2025
Jim was my very true friend for eighty years. I will miss him greatly
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