James Blackwell

James Blackwell, age 94, formerly of Creal Springs, Illinois,  passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Sara Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, Illinois.

James was born September 25, 1928 in Creal Springs, Illinois, a son of Louis and Eunice (Motsinger) Blackwell. He married Alice Morris nee Goodwin, then Dorothy Gilly, and later Beatrice Huggins.  James worked most of his life as a welder.  When he was young he worked at Parks Implement, and then at Will Scarlet/Peabody Coal Mine, until his retirement.  

He is survived by one son, Greg L. Blackwell (Significant Other Janette) of Mattoon, IL; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, Betty Jean (Jack) Bishop of Creal Springs, IL, one brother, William (Sue) Blackwell of Tilden IL and sister-in-law Sue Blackwell of Sparta, IL and his former wife Alice Morris of Kellyville, OK.  He is preceded in death by one son, Gary James Blackwell; his parents, Louis and Eunice Blackwell; and six siblings, Don (Gladys) Blackwell, Paul (Victorine) Blackwell, Irene (William) Davis, Mary (Don) Smothers, Leon (Donna) Blackwell, Anna May (Paul) Sims,  former wives Dorothy Blackwell and Beatrice Blackwell.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11:00 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville with Rev. Keith Owens officiating.  Burial will follow at Busby Chapel Cemetery in Goreville. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to Busby Chapel Cemetery . They may be mailed to, Busby Chapel Cemetery, c/o James Dunn, 375 Dunn Lane, Goreville, IL 62939.