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James Ensign Obituary
March 24, 1942 - July 2, 2025
James Robert Ensign, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 under the care of kind and dedicated professionals at Bell Trace Senior Living Facility in Bloomington, Indiana, where he relocated in 2022 to be near his son. His final moments were spent with family by his side.
He was born on March 24, 1942 in Bloomington, IL to Preston and Alice Ensign. He was a graduate of Thomas Metcalf Elementary, University High School and Illinois State University. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1972, which included a tour in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, after which he graduated from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for many years where he also taught Sunday school, and tried to live simply by the "golden rule."
He was a loyal fan of the Chicago White Sox and joyfully celebrated their 2005 World Series win. James was also supporter of Illinois State Redbird athletics. He loved following U.S. politics and was an avid listener of WJBC and WLS Radio in Chicago. In his younger years, he liked to garden and plant trees - many of which are still standing today at the various homes he lived in.
He is survived by his son Michael (Carrie Weitz) Ensign of Bloomington, IN; his daughter Erin Ensign of Brooklyn, NY; three grandchildren, Preston, Camilla and Evan Ensign; and one sister, Linda (Ensign) Hageman of Normal, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Carol (Ensign) Barnhart of Florida, Nancy (Ensign) Gillett of Indiana and Judy (Ensign) Brooks of Arizona.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ensign
Sponsored by Allen Funeral Home and Crematory.
Raymond K Smith
December 22, 2025
I was an RM2 (Radioman 2nd Class) stationed at Cam Ranh Bay, RVN, from 6/69 to 6/70. I knew him as Ensign Ensign as he was the OIC (Officer in Charge) of the communications center, Alpha Section. He was a nice guy and was well respected by the men who were under his watch.//
Sue Hyde Jones
July 12, 2025
I remember Jim as a dearly loved brother to Nancy and Linda, and an admired fellow student at U High. My love and thoughts are with Linda in this tough time.
Karol Ahnquist (Harris)
July 12, 2025
Remembering all the help you tried to give Doug and all the support you gave me. RIP my friend.
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Michael Barford
July 11, 2025
We shared a heritage of Illinois State Normal University parents. I believe he was around the same year at UHS as my brother George 'Butch' Barford and Tom Barger Jr. I never heard Jim say an unkind word about someone. Kind indeed.
DAVID SALCH
July 9, 2025
Jim was a friend and we both volunteered with the same organization in Bloomington and McLean County Illinois. I will miss him.
HELENA FEINBERG
July 9, 2025
Preston Ensign's family in Normal Il: all parts at ISU; deans office; my first full time job; Carol in my NCHS Honors class. Condolences to the Lawyer's family; Sincerely, Helena Lampi Feinberg
Sandy Flanagan
July 9, 2025
I met Ensign family in 1971 when my husband, daughters and I moved from NY´s Long Island to Normal. It was a few years later I met Jim. A kind friend and a most kind, and caring attorney. My condolences to his family. RIP Jim
Sarah Lynne Walker
July 9, 2025
Jim was a kind, empathetic, and intelligent asset to his family and the Bloomington-Normal community.
Robin Rinker
July 9, 2025
I taught Sunday School with Jim and enjoyed him so much. He was so good with the kids in fifth grade.
I will always remember him and picture him sitting in church right where he always sat.
Bob Watkins
July 9, 2025
Jim was a kind and generous man who helped many people. May good memories bring peace to his family and friends.
Maria Moubarik
July 8, 2025
Jim was very generous. He volunteered his time to help others.
Nancy Vandever
July 8, 2025
Jim was a good friend and helped many people. I miss him.
Tom Barger
July 8, 2025
I knew Jim and his family for literally 80 years. He was always a pleasant soul, and we spent many wonderful times together. Rest in peace, old friend.
Chad A. Ritchie
July 8, 2025
My Condolences to the Ensign Family. I would run into Jim at the Court House in my early attorney days. He would alwasy say hello and talk to me. He was always kind. My Dad was a White Sox fan and we loved watching the 2005 World Series run together too. Great memories.
Sandra Parker
July 8, 2025
I knew Jim for many years as he came in and out of the Law and Justice Center. He didn't just aim to follow the Golden Rule, he succeeded! Always polite yet fun loving and ready to "remember when" about Bloomington Normal History. My sympathy to all.
Dan Deneen
July 8, 2025
My condolences. Jim was always great to work with.
We also had a few post-work get togethers and I really enjoyed our conversations with a very interesting colleague.
Beth Davis Kater
July 8, 2025
Dear Ensign Family,
I have the best memories of Jim babysitting me with my brother David Davis and Mark Wade Loved it when he was around! Such a kind soulMy deepest condolences to all his family.
Beth Davis Kater
Peoria, IL
Joe Foley
July 8, 2025
Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Ensign´s family. Very good man plus a Sox fan to boot!! Great memories of going to games with my father and Jim. I know that they are now back to arguing the law in Heaven! God rest, sir
Joe Foley and family
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