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1941
David James
2026
David Ellsworth James
November 18, 1941 — March 22, 2026
Decatur
David E. James, of Decatur, IL, passed away March 22, 2026.
A graveside service will be held at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Decatur, IL 11:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2026. Memorials in David’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers.
David was born on November 18, 1941, in Evansville, IN, the son of John E. and Helen (Kirsch) James. He married Sharron Miner on February 26, 1963, in San Diego, CA.
After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, David earned his master’s degree at the University of Illinois and worked as a music specialist/teacher for the Decatur School District. He was certified in string instrument repair and retired in 2005. He was a member and choir director of South Shores United Methodist Church, and the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, CA. Along with playing golf, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.
David is survived by his wife, Sharron James of Decatur, IL; children Lori Wadsworth of Decatur, IL, and David “Paul” (Christina) James of Mt. Zion, IL; grandchildren Amber (Tim) Montgomery, Joshua Waddell, Kristina (Frank) Ragle, Taylor (Clinton) Teel, Riley James, and Avery James; great-grandchildren Luke Montgomery and Christian Teel; bonus great-grandchildren Ella, Maezie, and Luna; and sister Marybeth (Terry) White of Evansville, IN.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Daniel James.
A graveside service will be held at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Decatur, IL 11:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2026. Memorials in David’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers.
David was born on November 18, 1941, in Evansville, IN, the son of John E. and Helen (Kirsch) James. He married Sharron Miner on February 26, 1963, in San Diego, CA.
After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, David earned his master’s degree at the University of Illinois and worked as a music specialist/teacher for the Decatur School District. He was certified in string instrument repair and retired in 2005. He was a member and choir director of South Shores United Methodist Church, and the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, CA. Along with playing golf, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.
David is survived by his wife, Sharron James of Decatur, IL; children Lori Wadsworth of Decatur, IL, and David “Paul” (Christina) James of Mt. Zion, IL; grandchildren Amber (Tim) Montgomery, Joshua Waddell, Kristina (Frank) Ragle, Taylor (Clinton) Teel, Riley James, and Avery James; great-grandchildren Luke Montgomery and Christian Teel; bonus great-grandchildren Ella, Maezie, and Luna; and sister Marybeth (Terry) White of Evansville, IN.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Daniel James.
To send flowers to the family in memory of David Ellsworth James, please visit our flower store.
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Service Schedule
Upcoming Services
Funeral Service
Monday, March 30, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Mt Gilead Cemetery
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