Elvin Lee James, 87, of Granite City, Illinois, peacefully passed from Earth to Heaven on December 18th, 2023, surrounded by his family. Lee’s faith and his family were the most important things in his life.
He is survived by his children Brenda James, Glenda James, Greg James (Lori), and Doug James (Evangeline), and also his grandchildren Ashli Domescik (Nick), Justin James (Brooke), Haley James, Jordan James, Dawson James, Griffin James, and his great grandchildren Everli and Thea Domescik.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elvin Otho and Doris (Cole) James, and his loving wife of more than 50 years, Phyllis (Day) James.
Lee was raised in Madison, Illinois. Even though he was an only child, he had a large extended family and loved spending time with the James and Cole families. He was very close to his grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins and loved big family get-togethers. He also loved playing sports, typically basketball or baseball. He played sports at Madison High School, and it was clear that he loved sports more than studying.
He also loved fishing, hunting, and boating. His love of the outdoors was evident throughout his life. Lee loved spending a day with his family boating and waterskiing on lakes big or small – near or far. He especially enjoyed taking friends and church youth groups to the lake for a full day of waterskiing and fun.
Lee started and ended his faith journey at Tri City Assembly of God Church and deeply loved the worship services and the people there. For many years in between, he attended and raised his family at Glenview Assembly of God Church with Pastor M.W. Wilson. Lee was at church every time the doors were open and enjoyed serving the church in many different roles. He especially loved teaching Sunday School classes. Lee had a deep and loving relationship with Jesus, and sharing God’s Word with others was one of his special gifts. He was kind and thoughtful and his personality also contained wit, humor, and evangelism. He cared for people so much he always wanted to make sure that they were “in tune with Jesus”.
Lee worked for the Government, Department of Defense, as a computer programmer most of his professional career. He truly enjoyed his work and the people he worked with and considered his work relationships to be lifelong friends.
Lee, Son – Husband – Father — Grandfather – Family Patriarch. We now celebrate his life . . . a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Lee’s celebration of life will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023. Visitation from 10am to 12 noon. Funeral service will directly follow at 12 noon. Pastor Barry Shepherd and Pastor Doug Surratt will be officiating the service. If unable to attend, you may join the family livestream on his tribute wall at www.irwinchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Lee’s church, Tri City Assembly of God – 3400 Maryville Road, Granite City IL 62040.
