James Givens Jr.

TONICA, Ill. — James Leon Givens Jr., 55, of Tonica and formerly of Allenville, departed this life Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Born July 4, 1967, in Kankakee, Illinois, he was the son of the late James Sr. and Anna Robins Givens. He married Melissa Ann Heath on June 2, 2000, in Allenville.

He was an over-the-road truck driver before retiring due to his health.

James is survived by his wife, Melissa Ann Givens of Tonica; daughters, Kaitlyn Givens (Cody Jones) of Jackson and Katlyn Heath (Kelton Zeman) of Granville, Illinois; sons, James Givens (Nicole Ratton) of Washington, Illinois, and Hunter Givens of Tonica; granddaughter, Journee Givens; a sister, Tammy (Donald) Parkhurst of Chaffee, Missouri; and a brother, Mitchell Givens.

He is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Ottawa (Illinois) American Legion Post No. 33. Full military rites will be accorded by members of the post.

There will also be a memorial in Missouri at a later date.

Solon-Telford Funeral Home in Streator is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com.