James H. Elder, 69 of Huntley passed away on Thursday evening, January 24, 2013 at Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
He was born August 5, 1943 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Levia and Elsie Bernice (Graven) Elder. He was raised and educated in Sullivan, graduating from Sullivan High School. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelor’s in 1965 and his Master’s in 1971. Jim was united in marriage to Sharon L. Buffington on August 22, 1964 at the Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church in Shannon, Illinois. He taught band, choir and was in administration in many school districts, retiring in 2002 from the Reed-Custer School District in Braidwood, Illinois. Above all he enjoyed the time he spent with his students both in the classroom, special events and coaching them in softball and basketball. The couple moved to Huntley in 2002 and Jim was active in the Sun City Band, playing pinochle & euchre, tennis, golf and bocce ball. He was active in music ministries in a number of their churches and he especially enjoyed time with his granddaughters.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon of Huntley, his daughters, Lea Elder of Buffalo Grove, Erica (Shaun) Slusser of Westminster, Colorado, his granddaughters, Kayla & Monica, his brother, Lynn (Nancy) Elder of Sullivan, sisters, Margaret Alice Ray of Arthur, Elizabeth Ann (Doug) Elder of Sycamore and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Jan Ray and his nephew, Jason Ray.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28th and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 29th all at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main Street, Huntley. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30th at the Prairie Dell Cemetery in Shannon, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Elder Memorial Fund. The DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home of Huntley is in charge of the arrangements. For more information please call 847-515-8772 and online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com .
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Sharon and Family, Karen and I want to extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers in these difficult times. We have felt priviledged to count you and Jim as friends. When we return from Florida, if we can be of any help, you need only ask. God Bless you and your family, The Speakmans
Sharon and Family, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the passing of Jim. Jim was a great friend and mentor of mine when we worked at Reed-Custer together. He helped me learn the ROPES many times when we worked together and when he ran the computer lab. I wish I could have been at wake to say goodbye, but I relocated in Florida last September. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family He will be missed Sincerely, Jeffrey Leslie