James P. Blue

Pastor James “Jim” P. Blue, 80, of Georgetown, formerly of Olivet, passed from this life into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, early Monday, April 28, 2025, with his loved ones surrounding at home. As a faithful and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ, he heard the incredible words "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant".

He was born on April 10, 1945, in Urbana, Illinois, the son of Chester Dee Blue and Margaret (McDannel-Blue) McClard, both deceased. Jim was united in marriage to his true love, Christinia (Brownfield) Blue on February 21, 1964, in Champaign. They enjoyed 61 years together and Chris will deeply mourn the loss of his daily presence and love in her life.

Together, Jim and Chris raised a beautiful family who will carry on his legacy and love: their three children, Lisa Sorensen of Mattoon, James “Jimmy” P. (Carla) Blue II of Chrisman, and Brook(Chris) Cobble of Catlin; his seven grandchildren, Timothy Sorensen, Christopher Sorensen, Tyler (Katie) Blue, Mariya Blue, Allyson Cobble, Coleton Cobble, and Jenna Johnson Blue; his five great grandchildren, Lucas Sorensen, Bridget Sorensen, Maverick Sorensen, Cooper Manker, and Emerson Sorensen; his siblings, Chester D. Blue Jr., Maria Jackson, and Patty Marks.

"Papa Blue" had many special bonus children and grandchildren including Jaycie Gilbert, Bryleigh Collom, his "favorite twins” Erica Whitington and Amanda Whitington Bell that will miss him greatly.

He will also be emphatically missed by his Houghton Leasure Funeral Home Crew, Sunset Funeral Home Family, good friend Rich Darby, as well as many, many friends and extended church families.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his special foster parent Grandma Della Grant, who lovingly raised him despite his tendency to be mischievous, his son-in-law, David Sorensen; his grandson, Joshua Grant Blue; his sisters, Sonja Jean McManaway and Marge Tracy.

Jim, who was christened with the nickname of Brother Blue more than 32 years ago by his “HLFH Crew,” was a devoted man of God. He truly enjoyed studying his Bible and sharing the Good News with everyone. He genuinely prayed for anyone who asked him and all those who needed it but didn’t know it. His kindness and compassion knew no bounds.

Jim was ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene on July 19, 1971. He served many Illinois Nazarene Churches including Royalton, Fairmount, Mansfield, LaHarpe, Paris, and Murphysboro. For the last 32 years, he pastored the Olivet Church of the Nazarene and also ministered to those in need outside his church. Following his retirement, he became the "Circuit Riding Preacher" proudly serving churches in Paris, Georgetown and Danville.

Jim took pride in the fact that he founded Compassionate Ministry Food Pantry in Paris, Illinois in 1986. He volunteered much of his life to several boards and committees including serving on the Illinois District Church of the Nazarene Ministerial Credentials Board, District Advisory Board and served as the Illinois District Sunday School Ministries Chairman for 23 years. He was a member of the Georgetown Christmas Food Basket Committee and served on the Georgetown Ridge Farm Area Ministerial Association. Jim was always willing to listen, pray, give a ride to, or lend a helping hand to someone in need. Because of his charitable life, Jim was honored with the title of Grand Marshall in the Georgetown Christmas Parade. He enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Music and knew most songs by heart. Brother Blue was a solid and trusted presence at area funeral homes and his sermons,

“Memory Stones”, and his slogan "Remember, Celebrate, Heal” will be long remembered by those he brought comfort to. Over the years, he served countless hours at Nazarene Acres church camps where he earned the nicknames "Candy Man” and "Hand Check Blue".

His greatest joy was his family. Highlights of his day were waking up early to see the sunrise, morning devotions, making his sweetheart her morning cup of coffee and taking his grandchildren to and from school. He enjoyed hearing about their lives and retelling their stories to bring smiles to everyone. He also loved helping out at Blue Family Farm, as well as part time electrician. In his spare time, Jim loved mowing, watching the traffic in front of his house, going to McDonalds for morning coffee with “the boys” and going for meals at his favorite Rich's Family Restaurant. He was also a huge Illini fan and always wore his Illini tie when he could. He loved tractor pulls and was so proud to go and watch his grandsons, Tyler and Josh, compete in their truck pulls. He also enjoyed holidays with his family. He loved getting together and enjoyed family mealtimes.

He frequently boasted of Chris’ good cooking. Those big family gatherings were the times he held the dearest to his heart, and everyone could see the love he had for his family. He loved Christmas and enjoyed decorating and looking at Chris' beautiful tree.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30am, Monday, May 5, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL, with Reverend Russell Brewer, Reverend Terry Armstrong and Reverend Larry Weihe officiating. The gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville beginning at 1:00pm until 6:00pm. He will be laid to rest in Mount Olive Cemetery, Urbana, IL. Donations may be given in his honor to the "Brother Blue Memorial Fund". Please take a moment and visit his tribute page and leave a memory or story of time spent with Jim for the family as everyone has a Brother Blue story that needs to be shared. www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.