James M. "Lema" LeMaster

Birth date: Jun 27, 1947 Death date: Jun 14, 2013

Decatur-James M. 'Lema' LeMaster, 65, of Decatur, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2013 with his family by his side. Jim was born June 27, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois the son of James and Amber LeMaster. He graduated from Read Obituary

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Robin Liddell

354w ago

Looking back I thought of Coach LeMaster today and thought I would look him up to let him know that a grateful adult would like to thank him where a young man might have forgotten to. Unfortunately I found this notice.I see that his cross-country coaching was not noted and may not been his first love but he stepped in where I suspect others did not care to. My freshman year (1970) we did not even have enough runners to generate a team score but he built the team up and I was able to run for Purdue when I left. I am glad to read that he had many people that cared for him

Don Fluker

640w ago

My name is Don Fluker and I played for Coach LeMaster in 1971. I'm saddened and shocked to hear about his passing away. I apologize for sending this so late but I respected him more than any coach I ever knew. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

Judy Large

640w ago

Nanci,So very sorry to hear of your loss, prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.Judy Large

Joe Tomlinson

641w ago

Nanci and family:Jim and I coached basketball against each other in the 70's when he was at Eisenhower and I was at Champaign Centennial HS. I always loved the matchups because he would try to get a mental edge, and I would always try to figure out what that would be. He was a great coach and friend, and I always looked forward to when our teams played each other. He was a class act and even better guy. I am so sorry for your loss, and you have my prayers during this tough time. May God Bless you all richly.Sincerely,Joe TomlinsonChampaign, IL

Jim & Nan Cooper

641w ago

Words cannot express how our hearts go out to Nancy, his children and grandchildren,–such a tragic loss of a special person. The only consolation he is finally without pain and is at peace! Our thoughts are with you all at such a difficult time!!!Jim & Nan Cooper

Steve Pyle

641w ago

Jim and I get to know each other in the winter of 1969. It was his first year of teaching and my second. He was teaching science and coaching at Eisenhower HS and I was a P.E. teacher at Mound Middle School. Terry "Tabs" Taylor introduced us and it was instant friendship. We were on the same wave length with our humor as we could crack up each other up at about any time. There were many Friday and Saturday nights spent drinking brewskis and talking about a game we had just witnessed or coached. Time, marriage, grad school, job change, kids are what split us over time, although I always felt he was a friend and I definitely never changed my feelings toward him. Over the years whenever I was in Peoria I'd make it a point to go by and see Amber. A visit with Judy was always too short. Nancy, you were the high light of his life. Please know that my thoughts are with you all. Although living in Kentucky will keep me from being with you on the 21st physically, I will be with you.Be well, Steve Pyle

Michael Delaney

641w ago

Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I played basketball for him at RCC during the '83-'84 season. He loved and respected the game but looked at it as just that, a game. I was a 25 year old, Army veteran that thought I had it all planned out but I have often found myself remembering his counsel over the years since. Mike Delaney, Lee's Summit MO

Broyles

641w ago

We have many great memories of Jim and Nanci as neighbors. They would walk the dog (and cat) and stop by for a cocktail, which would turn into hours of talking on the front porch. The Broyles family from Bartonville

Paul Dimler

641w ago

Nanci and family, I am so sorry for your lose. Jim was a wonderful person and a fine athlete. i know he will be missed.Paul Dimler, PHS Class of 1965

Brian Lemaster

641w ago

Nanci and family,We're so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were so grateful that Jim was able to come to Bill's funeral several years ago. We know it was difficult for him but it was great to see him. You're family is in our thoughts and prayers. Brian LeMaster (for the Chillicothe LeMaster family)

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