James Soules

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2008 at Cerro Gordo Cemetery with Pastor Joe Drew of Peoples Church of God officiating. Family and friends will gather at Macon Lodge #8 AF&AM, 1650 Huston Drive, Decatur, IL, after the service. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, with Masonic services by Macon Lodge #8 AF&AM at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriners Childrens Hospital.Jim was born June 21, 1922, in Rosedale, IN, the son of James A. and Myrtle Soules. He married Lois P. Martin August 23, 1941. Jim worked at Soules Caf on North Water Street during high school. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1941 and worked at Gebhardts Auto Supply. He started the Ace Vending business in 1942, which he operated until 1994. Jim joined his dad in the Soules Bird Repelent business in 1950 and continued to operate the business until his death. Jim was also a prominent real estate developer in the 1960's and 1970's.Jims home church was Peoples Church of God in which he has been affiliated with for over 50 years. Jim was a dedicated Mason of Macon Lodge #8 AF&AM for over 28 years. He served as Worshipful Master eight times. Jim was instrumental in the purchase of the new building and remodeling it to make the new home for Macon Lodge #8 AF&AM. He also belonged to Valley of Tucson Scottish Rite, Tucson, AZ and the Ansar Shrine, Springfield, IL. Jim was Past Grand Royal Patron of the Order of the Amaranth of the State of Illinois, Past Royal Patron of the Order of the Amaranth, Leighton Court Decatur, IL and Watchmen of the Shepard, White Shrine, Decatur, IL. He was a member of the Moose for over 50 years.Jim was a charter member of the Land of Lincoln Studebakers Driver Club, and a member of the Horseless Carriage Club. He enjoyed working on his many old cars, his prize possession being his 1933 Essex Terraplane, one of which he drove when he was in high school.Surviving are his dedicated wife of 66 years, Lois; son James G. Soules and wife Diane, grandsons James R. and Joshua D. of Decatur, IL; son Michael A. Soules and wife Cindy, grandchildren Megan and Sam of Elizabeth City, NC; daughter Carolyn J. Black, grandchildren Jeff Coventry and Angella Black of Austin, TX, and granddaughter Michelle Stewart of Decatur, IL; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Mary Nagy and husband George, nephews Ronnie Romack of Decatur, IL, and Jerry Romack of Aurora, IL.Jim was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Angella, and granddaughter Cynda.The family would like to thank everyone who has been so kind to Jim and Lois over the past few months. Special thanks to DMH ER, 4th, 5th, and 6th floor staff, Cancer Care, and the wonderful caring staff at McKinley Court.We love you Pop, you will be in our hearts forever. "
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