Benjamin (Benny) L. James age 100, of Quincy, IL, formerly of Colchester, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL. He was born February 9, 1926, in Macomb, to George and Mary Burton James. Benny was united in marriage May 4, 1952, in Colchester, to Elgin McCullough, she preceded him in death Thursday, December 15, 1988.
Surviving to mourn Benny’s passing is 2 sons: Michael (Marjorie) James, Prairie City, IL, Sidney (Jennifer) James, Bardolph, IL, 2 daughters: Becky (Mike) Campbell, Bonita Springs, FL, Bonnie (Tom) Wilson, Colchester, IL, 1 sister: Georgia Hendrickson, Tucson, AZ, 18 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren.
Benny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 1 son: Larry James, 1 daughter: Sarah Jane, 2 brothers: Ernie James, Earl James, 2 sisters: Lorraine Hurst, Nancy Richardson, and 1 great grandchild: Sophia Sherrod.
Benny was a U.S Navy Veteran, he served on the USS Enterprise and in the U.S Pacific Theater, during World War 2, from 1943 to 1946. After he served he worked 40 years at McGraw Edison in Macomb. Benny was a member of the Macomb American Legion, and the First Christian Church of Colchester, which he helped build. Benny loved to square dance, play the harmonica for the Mt. Carmel Gospel, and go hunting and fishing. In his free time he enjoyed hanging out at the Tennessee Cafe, watching westerns, war movies, and boxing. Benny was a great story teller, which makes perfect sense for all he accomplished in his life.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Jones Mortuary in Colchester with Pastor Larry Rickard, burial will follow the services at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, where Military Honors will be performed by the Macomb VFW and Macomb American Legion. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Jones Mortuary in Colchester. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home from 8:30 A.M to 7:00 P.M, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Memorial is to Illinois Veterans Home, Blessing Hospital Hospice, and Teresa Adams Hospitality House of Quincy. Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.
