James Cantrell

ANNA, Ill. — James “Chinko” Cantrell, 94, of Anna, formerly of Jonesboro, Illinois, died at 1:28 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, in Union County Hospital in Anna.

He was born Jan. 21, 1923 in Reynoldsville, Illinois, the son of James W. and Hallie Keller Cantrell. He married Norma J. Collie on March 31, 1944, in Union County. She preceded him in death Sept. 19, 2000.

James worked for Bunny Bread and retired after 35 1/2 years. He joined the U.S. Navy and later the Army.

James is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Jim) Ellis of Frostproof, Florida, Brenda (Leon) Murphy of Cape Girardeau and Donna (Tony) Coryell of Dongola, Illinois; five grandchildren, Todd (Stephanie) Ellis, Sarah (Tom) Roberts, Josh (Krystle) Boyd, Jessica Coryell and Brittany Cantrell; 12 great-grandchildren, Ben, Joseph and Andrew Ellis, Alex, Jacob and Mallory Roberts, Eleanor Ann Boyd, Rusty, Bam and Morgan Smith and Colton and Kaylee Ford; special friend, Lucille Robertson of Anna; two sisters, Jo Ann Parcell of Jackson and Jane Grojean of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Willis Cantrell of Ava, Missouri; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma J. Cantrell; son, Ron Cantrell; and one grandson, Carl Franklin.

Graveside funeral service for James “Chinko” Cantrell was Saturday in Jonesboro Cemetery, with Phil Hileman officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery.

A celebration of life was Saturday in the Anna Vista Community Room.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.