James H. Arbuckle

James H. Arbuckle, 81, of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin.

James had been a mechanical instructor at John Deere Manufacturing in Moline, Ill. He was a member of the Spirit of Life Christian Church in Du Quoin. He was a U.S. Army veteran. James was an avid fisherman and enjoyed woodworking and camping.

He was born Jan. 26, 1932 at Tuscola, Ill., the son of William and Celia (Ballard) Arbuckle.

He married Catherine Meserve and she preceded him in death on May 1, 1987.

He is survived by five children - James H. Arbuckle Jr. of Newman, Ill., Tony Arbuckle of Allerton, Ill., James L. Arbuckle of Newman, Ill., Mary Kellems of Villa Grove, Ill. and Hope Arbuckle of Villa Grove, Ill., special companion for many years - Mary Jo Varnum of Metropolis, one brother - Harold Arbuckle of Carbondale, several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Jerry L. Conner officiating.

Friends may call from 8 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Friends may make memorials to the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.