James Modlin

James R. Modlin, 86, of Peoria, Illinois, died at 2:37 PM Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. He was born March 7, 1925 in Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Louis and Mildred (Rice) Modlin. He married E. Elizabeth Sellers on July 17, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2010 in Peoria, Illinois. He was also preceded in death by two infant children, one son James (J.B.) Modlin, two brothers Richard and Jack Modlin.

He is survived by three daughters, Krystal (Nick) Capranica of Bartonville, Illinois, Lori Modlin and Lynne (the late Bill) Manley both of Peoria, Illinois. He has one daughter in law surviving, Sherrie (Modlin) Helems of Bartonville, Illinois. He has 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Juel (Gerald) Zimmerman of Bartonville, Illinois.

James loved to fish, Garden and was a woodworking master. He enjoyed baking and cooking many items and dishes. Above all, his family was the center of his life. He worked over 36 years at Illinois Bell Telephone Company, last working as an engineer, retiring in 1982. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a member of the American Legion Post 979 of Bartonville, and a member of the Telephone Pioneer Organization.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home. The Rev. Craig Hislope will officiate. A visitation will be from 5-8PM at the funeral home on Friday. Entombment will be held at the Resurrection Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the Belwood Family Advisory Board. You may view James’s life story at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.