James Lee Frieden Sr.'s Obituary
Blue Mound – James Lee Frieden Sr., 67, of Blue Mound, IL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.
James was born on March 7, 1958, to O. Floyd and Francis (Miller) Frieden. One of 8 children, James grew up on a farm outside of Illinois City, IL, and attended grade school in Illinois City, IL and middle school and high school in Edington, IL, where he was a 1976 graduate. James was a passionate trumpet player in high school and even recorded an album.
James married his high school sweetheart, Leann J. Wiborg on August 13, 1977, in Rock Island County, IL. He then attended the University of Illinois in Ag Engineering from 1977 to 1981. After graduation James was hired by Archer Daniels Midland Company in Decatur, IL where he worked as a production engineer in the corn sweetener division until retirement in 2022 after 41 + years.
He is survived by his wife Leann of Blue Mound; daughter Adrianne (Matt) Brehm of Champaign; sons: Matthew Frieden of Decatur, Jamie (James Jr) Frieden of Macon, and Aaron Frieden of Decatur; grandchildren: Brooklyn Frieden, Delaney Frieden, Tyler Brehm, Aubrey Frieden, Zack Brehm, and Lawson Frieden; sister Mary Thompson of Denver, CO; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ron Frieden, Don Frieden and John Frieden and sisters: Donna Anderson, Doris Frieden and Jeanie Beason.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm at the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10 am Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the funeral home. Burial will be in South Macon Township Cemetery, Macon, IL. Memorials may be made to National Wild Turkey Federation.
James will be sorely missed by his family.
“See You Later”
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