James E. Gentry Jr.'s Obituary
James E. Gentry, 77, of Decatur passed away on October 5,2023 at his home.
James Everett Gentry Jr. was born to James Everett Gentry Sr. and Opal (Clark) Gentry on June 19, 1946. He attended school at Cerro Gordo, graduating high school in 1963. He met and married Diana Lee Rose in 1966 while in the U.S Air Force and was sent to Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He continued his military service with the U.S. Naval Reserve, followed by the Illinois Air and Army National Guard, from which he retired. James was employed at A.E. Staley Manufacturing where he spent 28 years as a millwright. After that he was employed for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 20 years. James and Diana enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Diana passed away in March of 2017. James enjoyed spending time and taking care of his faithful fur buddy Porky. He also enjoyed collecting guns, was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also enjoyed reading and watching old westerns.
James is survived by his three sons, James Kenneth Gentry (Tina), Bobby Gentry, and Steve Gentry (Marcy). He also enjoyed his 6 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Gentry (Kathy), and Tom Gentry (Debbie). James was greatly loved and is definitely missed.
A visitation for James will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 1-2pm at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home I Decatur. A memorial service will follow at 2pm also at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with military rite afterwards. James will be buried at a later date in Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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