James Theodore Conder

James Theodore Conder, 85, of Danville passed away at 3:01 PM on May 18, 2026 at his home with his family by his side.

James was born on June 17, 1940 the son of Theodore and Dorothy (Riddick) Conder in Jackson, MO. He married Paula Rae Matthews on January 22, 1966 in Millersville, MO and she survives.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Paula Conder of Danville, IL, his children, Suzanne Robinson of Danville, IL and Eric Conder of Benton Harbor, MI, three grandchildren, Delsie Robinson of Urbana, IL, Delanie Robinson of Danville IL and Drew Robinson of Danville, IL.

James is preceded in death by his parents.

James served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963, then graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from South East Missouri University and earned his Master’s Degree at the U of I in Champaign/Urbana. He was a Band Instructor in Newtown, Fairmount and retired from Danville School District 118. James was a member of the Danville American Legion Post 210, a 50-year member of the Further Light Masonic Lodge #1130 in Danville, IL, as well as a Shriner and member of the Elks Club.

In 1983, James started Big Bird Charters and was a Fishing Charter Captain for over 40 years in the St Joseph, MI area. He relished sharing his love for fishing and the water with others and specifically loved the freeing feeling of clearing the pier heads in the early morning. His hard work and dedication to the craft earned him notoriety with clients and fellow Captains. Some call him a Legend.

James was highly respected as a Captain and an Educator. He held high expectations for himself and his students. If you weren’t paying attention in class, you may have had an eraser or baton thrown in your direction. He enjoyed seeing former students out in the community and was keen on remembering what instrument they played and whether they were trouble makers or music makers.

James loved his family fiercely. He didn’t always show it in the regular “I love you”, “give me a hug” kind of way but he showed his love by providing the best instrument, private lessons, vacations to see new places for new experiences, teaching life skills, driving to Charleston, IL just to have lunch with his daughter, attending every show choir competition, and phone calls just to say “hi”. James loved his wife more than anyone in the world. When his dementia grew worse, he may not have recognized her face, but he knew he wanted “Paula”. If she left the room, he wasn’t far behind looking for her. She was his constant, his comfort, his true love.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Committal Rites will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at the Committal Shelter in Danville National Cemetery in Danville, IL with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the funeral home in Danville, IL.

Memorials may be made in James’ memory to the ASPCA, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

The family invites you to share memories, photos, and messages of comfort on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .