Darrell James

ANNA, Ill. -- Darrell E. "Spider" James, 83, of Anna, formerly of Tamms, Ill., died Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at his home.

He was born Jan. 26, 1926, in Elco, Ill., son of Darrell and Rachel Newell James. He and June McDaniel were married Feb. 14, 1950, in Arkansas. She died Nov. 24, 2001.

Darrell was a graduate of Tamms High School. He owned and operated D.E. James and Son many years in Tamms. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tamms and served as a deacon. He was a 50-year member of IBEW Local 702.

A veteran of World War II, he was a signalman 2nd class in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include a son, Dennis E. and wife Donna James of Tamms; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Holly James; two sisters, Eileen Smithey of Las Vegas, Nev., Louise Poole of West Frankfort, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son, Darrell; a daughter, Cheryl; and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Laura James.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in McCrite Cemetery near Tamms with full military honors by Illinois Army National Guard Honors Detail and local veterans.