James John Elling Sr.

November 29, 1935 - August 13, 2017

James John Elling, Sr., 81, of Carlyle passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Salem Township Hospital. He was born in Breese on November 29, 1935 son of Theodore and Martha (Johnson) Elling. He married April 19th, 1958 Oma Ruth Elling who proceeded him in death on December 20, 2015. He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Oma Ruth and brothers-in-law Sholen, Johnnie, and Ronnie Miller. He is survived by a daughter Gaye (Randy) Baldridge of Centralia, Sons James (Debra) Elling, Jr. of Centralia, Ted (Beth) Elling of Tucson, Arizona, Alan (Kim) Elling of Carlyle and Chris Elling of Tucson, Arizona. Grandchildren Melissa (Dennis) Siebert, Allan (Dorothy) Elling, Travis (Tiffany) Elling, Brittany (Perry) Sloan, Justin, James and Jared Armer and 13 Great-Grandchildren. Sisters and Brothers: Irene and (Val) Theising of Germantown, Ervin and Shirley Elling of Green Valley, IL, Margie (Larry) Grapperhaus of Pekin, Dorothy (Joe) Cunningham of Breese, Raymond (Doris) Elling of Carlyle, and a sister-in-law Barbara Miller James was a union ironworker based out of New Orleans and retired as a truck driver for EF Express. He loved handicapping and attending horse races, was an avid Cardinal fan, and spending time with friends and family. Private graveside services will be held for both James and his wife Oma Ruth at a later date.