James Allyn Drew, age 66, of Ewing, passed away at 8:38 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 1, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Dale Burzynski officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the conclusion of the funeral service at the funeral home by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
James was born on June 9, 1949 to Lester and Goldie (Hall) Drew of Benton.
He was of the Baptist faith having formerly been a member of Flatt’s Baptist Church until its closing.
James served his country in the U.S. Army from March 17, 1969 to March 8, 1971 during the Viet Nam War.
He formerly worked for BNSF Railroad, was a rural mail carrier, and also worked for Ewing-Northern Township.
He loved fishing, hunting, car races and working on cars. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He never met a stranger and was always there to help when called upon.
James is survived by his wife Joanne (Hendricks) Drew of Ewing, IL; his children: Robert Drew and wife Heather of Benton, IL, James Drew of McLeansboro, IL, James D. Lenard and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Rick Lenard and wife Kelly of Johnston City, IL, Vicky Shageto and husband Victor of Bonnie, IL, Kim Phelps and husband Eric of West City, IL; a sister Mary Ellen Spann and husband Jerry of Little Rock, AR; two brothers Dewayne Drew and wife Renne’ of Waltonville, IL, Rodger Drew and wife Sharon of Ina, IL; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and was loved by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Donald Johns.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of James, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
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