James Dale "Jim" Bland's Obituary
Decatur – James Dale “Jim” Bland, 74, of Decatur, passed away Monday, May 21, 2018.
Jim was born July 6, 1943, in Mt. Vernon, IN, the son of Dale K. and Violet (Russell) Bland. A U.S. Marine veteran, Jim worked as a route salesman for Butternut Bread for many years. He was a member of Ss. James and Patrick Parish, Knights of Columbus Darrell W. Beck Council #577 and American Legion Castle Williams Post #105. Jim was inducted into the Illinois Pony of Americas Hall of Fame, coached American Legion and St. Teresa baseball as well as the Special Olympics Dream Catchers. Jim married Roberta “Bobbie” Neff August 19, 1967 in Decatur.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie of Decatur; daughter, Kelly (Clayton) Cannon of Decatur; grandchildren: Cody, Austin and Sydney; sisters: Sondra (David) Kelm of Decatur and Karen Williams of CO; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, May 25, 2018, from 5 to 7 pm in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service will be at 4:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be 10 am Saturday, May 26, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial with military rites will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Decatur. Memorials may be made to St. Teresa High School or Special Olympics Dream Catchers.
A special thank you to the E.R. and I.C.U. staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful care.
The family of James Bland is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for James D. “Jim” Bland: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/ST3PHRCML2NTWWWM
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