James R. Abeln, age 81, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at his residence.
He is survived by his wife Harriett; a son, Rick (wife Kelly) of Jacksonville, two grandsons; Matthew and LCpl Joseph Abeln, two step-grandchildren; Cheyenne and PFC Emmett Allen, two step great-granddaughters; Olivia and Emma Allen, three brothers; Kenneth Freer, Bobby Abeln of Athens and Edward Dixon of Medora, two sisters; Helen Gwillum of Alton and Peggy Hurt of Pekin, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; John, Paul and Lewis Abeln, two sisters; Charlotte Ethell and Pauline Duiguid.
Jim Abeln was born September 25, 1933 in Carlinville, Illinois the son of John Henry and Maude Elizabeth (Huff) Abeln.
He married Harriett Beccue on January 31, 1954 in Athens.
Jim was a CPL for the US Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. He earned a Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. Jim was also a member of Athens Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Legion, and a school board member of Athens School District 213 for 9 years.
Jim worked for Chastain Builders for 30 years, then City of Athens for 10 years, as well as part time for JCPenney.
Visitation will be held at Mott & Henning Funeral Home on Monday, May 25, 2015 from 9-11 am. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 10 am at Mott & Henning Funeral Home.
Officiating will be Rev. Richard Becker
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Burial at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens.
On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted July 23rd, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Harriett and Family,
So sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted July 23rd, 2015 at 5:06 pm
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a nice person…..always so cheerful!!! Remember how I loved watching him and Harriet dance. My grandsons….jake and luke thought a lot of him.
Posted July 23rd, 2015 at 5:06 pm
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a nice person…..always so cheerful!!! Remember how I loved watching him and Harriet dance. My grandsons….jake and luke thought a lot of him.
Posted July 23rd, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Jim was a good man, had the opportunity to get to know him well and have always valued his friendship. Thoughts and prayers with the family at this time.