Thomas Leon James

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Thomas Leon James, age 66, of Du Quoin, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 8:55 a.m. in Salem Hospital, Salem Illinois.

Thomas was born on Sept. 18, 1943 in Corning, Arkansas, a son to Troy T. James and Sylvia V. (Case) James. Thomas retired from Chrysler Corporation as a fork lift driver in Belvidere, Ill. after 16 years of service. He was of Baptist faith, was a member of Du Quoin American Legion Post #647, Du Quoin Saddle Club and American Quarter Horse Association. Thomas enjoyed playing music but most of all he loved riding horses and spending time with his family and friends.

Thomas is survived by his mother, Sylvia V. James of Du Quoin, Ill.; three sons, Troy (Christine) James of Tamaroa, Ill., Kenneth (Andrea) James of Du Quoin, Ill. and Travis (Sheila) James of Machesney Park, Ill.; two brothers, Lonnie (Patty) James and Allen (Sheila) James, both of Du Quoin, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Jewell James, Tori James, Jennifer James, Erinn Dukey, Neal Orris, Christina Campbell and Justin Campbell; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and infant sister, Yvonne James.

Funeral services were held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Ted Clark officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Park, Du Quoin, Ill.

Friends called at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be given to Du Quoin Saddle Club.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.