Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Sloneker Obituary
James Howard Sloneker
December 16, 1932 - May 11, 2024
BLOOMINGTON - James Howard Sloneker, 91, of Bloomington, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Bloomington.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 20, 2024, at North Danvers Mennonite Church, Danvers, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Danvers Historical Museum and Meeting Room.
James was born on December 16, 1932, in Danvers, IL, a son to Herbert Park Sloneker and Elsie Irons Sloneker. He married Joan Sears of Hopedale, IL, on August 21, 1955, in Bloomington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Donald and Richard Sloneker; his sister, Jean Singley; and his son, Steve Sloneker. Surviving are his wife, Joan; his children: Mark Sloneker, Sarasota, FL, Laura (Rudy) Ramirez, Normal, IL, Erik (Rhea) Sloneker, Danvers, IL; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Sloneker, Danvers, IL; his grandchildren, Kurt Conner, Dillon Sloneker, Ellie Atkins, Elijah Sloneker, and Evan Sloneker; and seven greatgrandchildren.
James attended Illinois State University and the University of Illinois earning a PhD in biochemistry in 1956. He worked as a chemist at the USDA Northern Regional Research Laboratory in Peoria, IL. He retired in 1976 to become a full-time farmer. He was active in farm management until his death. He enjoyed his many travels with his wife, creating beautiful jewelry in his silver smithing shop, gardening, and was an active caregiver and mentor for his grandchildren. He was instrumental in the creation of the Danvers Historical Museum and Meeting Room. He was a member of North Danvers Mennonite Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Sloneker
6 Entries
Ken Natzke
May 19, 2024
Rhea, my condolences on the passing of your father-in-law. He must have been quite a guy. As they say- a life well lived!
Dawn (Post) Mulford
May 18, 2024
Rest in peace Mr. Sloneker, you were one in a million, so smart and great at telling stories. Your love for your family was something I always admired. May your family find peace.
Dianne (Flotkoetter)Shelton
May 18, 2024
Laura, I´m so sorry for the loss of your father. I know he was a wonderful talented man. I still have the pair of earrings he made .
May your family lean on God´s comfort during this time of grief.
April Kagel
May 17, 2024
Grew up with the Slonekers in Danvers. My condolences to the family.
Jill Timbers
May 17, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to Joan and all the family. I knew Jim and Joan a little through First Presbyterian in Normal, and always admired them. What a rich life he led.
Sandra K Parker
May 17, 2024
My sympathy in the loss of your loved one. I didn't meet James, but years and years ago I worked with Laura at the L&J center. I too had my dad until his 90's, but I miss him still. Hugs to all of you.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in James Sloneker's name
Memorial Events
for James Sloneker
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Sloneker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
