James M. Strong, Sr.

James M. Strong, Sr.

“Jim”

Age 76 of Wilmington, passed away Thursday June 25, 2020 at his home.

Born January 11, 1944 in Joliet, James Martin was a son of James and Marie (nee Sheets) Strong. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. Jim enlisted into the United States Air Force, and served honorably from 1962 to 1967. On January 8, 1966, he married Adeline Victoria Marrs in Rapid City, South Dakota.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Jim gained employment with Joliet Army Ammunition Plant where he was a fireman. He then moved on to the Amoco Chemical Company in Joliet where he spent the rest of his career. Jim was a member of First Christian Church in Wilmington, and in his free time enjoyed going fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Vicki Strong of Wilmington, seven children: James M. (Paula) Strong, Jr. of Carol Stream, Rosalind D. Strong of Bourbonnais, and Brian D. (Shellise) Strong, Kari B. Strong, Steven J. Strong, Timothy J. Strong, and Kali J. Strong, all of Wilmington; three grandchildren: Trevor Strong of Dwight, and Hayleigh (Cole) Thompson and Cole Strong, both of Wilmington; three great grandchildren: Eoghan, Declan, and Maverick Thompson; seven brothers and sisters: Sherlene Martin of Virginia, Delores Boyd, Mark Strong, Mary Brock, Rita VanDuyne, and Betty Salzburg, all of Wilmington, and Billie (Bill) Wofford of Casey; eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Judy (Wayne) Schlichting of St. Louis, Missouri, Cindy (George) Self of Arizona, Larry Marrs of Montana, Gordon (Alice) Marrs of Oregon, Starla (the late John) Black of Kansas, Connie Marrs of Utah, Wanda (Bill) Tomasek of Arizona, and Sherri (Larry) Jensen of Rapid City, South Dakota; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Shirley Thorton, Beverly Clawson, and Patricia “Patti” Strong; two brothers: Donald Lee Strong and Mervin Strong; and one brother-in-law, Leroy Marrs.

Per Jim’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Dallas Henry will officiate, and private interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Face masks requirements and measures of safe social distancing practices will be in order, and funeral home staff will assist the family not to exceed the safe number set forth for both the visitation and service.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James’ memory to: Easter Seals Joliet Region, 212 Barney Drive, Joliet, Illinois 60435

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Jim’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.