Paul D. James, age 86, of Bridgeport, Illinois passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home.
Paul D. James, age 86, of Bridgeport, Illinois passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home. He was born May 9, 1938, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Charles James and Iva Shick James. He married Mary Corrie on May 31, 1958, and she survives.
Paul worked at Marathon Production in Bridgeport as a pumper for 25 years. Paul and Mary owned and operated James’ Print Shop in Bridgeport. He served in the Air Force in Iceland. He was a member of SonRise Community Church in Bridgeport and a member of the Bridgeport Fire Protection District for 17 years. Paul’s nickname was Jessie James. He was a flea market junkie along with his wife, Mary and his sister, Norma. He was a river rat, enjoyed fishing and boating on the river and had a goat farm – Jessie James Riverview Goat Farm.
Preceding Paul in death were his parents; brothers, Charles James, Donald James, (twin) David James and infant Raymond James; sisters, Agatha Seed, Dr. Betty LaFon, Mae Ann Plowman, and Norma Akers; son-in-law, David Hammel.
Survivors include: his wife, Mary; three sons, Wesley (Mark) James of Poole, Kentucky, Scott (Wendy) James of Sweet Springs, Missouri, and Jeffery (Traci) James of Bridgeport; two daughters, Jean Hammel of Bridgeport and Mert (David) Burgett of Sumner; twelve grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bridgeport Cemetery. There is no public visitation. Memorial donations may be made to Lawrence County Senior Citizens.
