James Arthur Bollhorst's Obituary
Decatur-James Arthur Bollhorst, 93, departed his earthly home Monday, May 19, 2014.
Jim was born September 10, 1920 in rural Macon County, Illinois, the son of John and Edna (Schlingman) Bollhorst. He was a farmer for many years in Macon and Harristown, Illinois. He then worked for the Decatur Park District from where he retired. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, woodworking, the Bollhorst family card games, and playing Euchre at the American Legion Hall in Taylorville. He married Ruth Goin June 10, 1967 they enjoyed forty-five years together and he became fondly known as Grampa Jim. She preceded him in death December 29, 2012.
He leaves behind his brothers Paul (Shirley) Bollhorst and Earl (Wanda) Bollhorst, stepson Leland “Butch” Goin, sister-in-law Betty Bollhorst, grandchildren Ruth Kopec, Paul Morgan, and Dawne (Louie) Lyons, adopted granddaughter and friend Sheila McClung, great-grandchildren Shawn Kopec, Guy Harminson, and Brittany Morgan, great-great-granddaughter Nevaeh Harminson, and special friends Gail Barnes and Marta Jones.
He was reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife, brother Kenneth Bollhorst, sister Mildred Baldwin, stepson Roger Goin, stepdaughter Stella Morgan, grandson Jim Kopec, and special friend Cleta Barnes.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Sheila McClung for all of her compassionate and loving care.
Services to celebrate James’ life will 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2014 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1 Bacharach Court Decatur, with Pastor Wray Offermann officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Boiling Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
The family of James Arthur Bollhorst is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?