James "Jim" Emery Michels' Obituary
James "Jim" Emery Michels, 77, of Pekin, passed away at 9:14 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at his home. He was formerly of Decatur.
Born August 31, 1942 in Lincoln to Lee Otis and Catherine Rosemary (Koehler) Michels, he married Carole Jo (Cox) Baldwin on February 14, 1997. She died on September 30, 2013. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Larry Michels and one sister, Betty Michels.
Surviving are one son, Troy (Anna) Michels of Pekin; one daughter, Tracy (Trent) Copelen of Pekin; four grandchildren, Brittney (Aaron) John, Riley Copelen, Liza Copelen and Jaxon Copelen; one step granddaughter, Holly Smith and three great-grandchildren, Emilee, Chase and Brooklynn John.
Jim served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963 as a machinist mate aboard the USS Whetstone.
He had worked for the Firestone Tire Plant in Decatur and previously had worked at Pabst Brewing Company in Peoria Heights until it closure in 1982.
He was a member of Tremont American Legion Post #1236 and Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin.
Jim enjoyed camping, hunting and was a fan of NASCAR. Most of all, though, he enjoyed Crappie fishing. Jim also was a Mason.
A visitation celebrating his life will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 4, 2020 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 North Oakland Avenue in Decatur. Graveside services will follow the visitation in Graceland Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy. The family requests those in attendance to feel free to wear casual attire. Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to Children’s Hospital of Illinois, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com or www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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