James 'Big Jim' Shanks

James Albert Big Jim Shanks, 86, of Tilton, entered this world on February 26, 1922 and departed on July 17, 2008. Jim leaves behind two sons, Claude A. (Sue) Shanks of Louisville, KY and Louis H. (Carla) Shanks of Phoenix, AZ; three grandsons, Claude A. II (Leslie), James A. (Jennifer) and Justice A. Moore, one granddaughter, Jordyn L. Shanks; three great granddaughters, Aubriana, Amber and Autumn Shanks; one great grandson, Landon Shanks and five step grandsons, Tim (Michelle) Donohue, Chris (Paige) Donohue, Nathan Seymour (Rebecca), Adam Seymour, Neil (Angie) Seymour, one step granddaughter, Rachel (Derek) Webber, and two step great grand children, Jerad and Owen Seymour. Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert P. and Reba Z. Shanks and his loving wife, Hulda A. Shanks. Jim served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 313th Infantry of the 79th Division. He was a lifetime member of the 313th Association and was elected to serve as president of the 313th Association from 1979 to 1980. Jim was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post. Jim retired from Holmes Brothers Machine Shop in Danville, Illinois. He attended Tilton Grade School and was a Letterman at Danville High School. Jim enjoyed his time while working with the Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as secretary of his bowling league and was an avid bowler and Cubs fan. Jim was a member of the Tilton Methodist Church. A celebration of Jims life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville with Rev. Marvin McCormick officiating. Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the funeral home. Moose Rites will be held at 6:00pm Saturday. Memorials may be made in Jims name to United Church of Tilton