James Marble

James Allen Marble, 92, of Robinson, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on July 25, 2022, in the peace and quiet of his home and with his loving wife and children by his side.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Irene Marble, and his brother, Bobby Marble, who died of complications from scarlet fever when Jim was seven.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Smith) Marble; his sons Jon (Colleen) Marble and Jay (Amy) Marble; his sister, Patricia Claypool; his brother, Phil (Bonnie) Marble; his grandchildren, Christian, Ryan, Lucas and Corie; and his many nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on July 2, 1930, in Danville, Illinois, to Floyd and Irene Marble. He was one of four children. He graduated from Danville High School in 1948 and later joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served as a member of a B-29 crew and was stationed in Japan, where he developed a great affection for the Japanese people and culture. During that time, he led a Bible study for teens, traveled the country, and made several lifelong Japanese friends. He even returned to Japan with his wife in 1986 to reconnect with a friend he made during the war.

After being honorably discharged in 1953, Jim attended LeTourneau Technical Institute (now LeTourneau University), where he was involved in many extracurricular activities and helped start a church. He graduated in 1957 with a BS in Industrial Science. He remained friends with several of his college classmates for the rest of his life, and he often traveled with them in his later years.

Upon graduation, Jim moved to Robinson, Illinois, where he worked as a petroleum engineer at Marathon Oil Company. He remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 1985.

On June 23, 1962, Jim married Joyce Smith at Walnut Corner Church of Christ in Danville, Illinois. Together, they raised two wonderful sons and made a lifetime of memories at their home on Westlake, which Jim enjoyed building and maintaining. Highland Church of Christ has been their church home for many decades. Jim and Joyce celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 18, 2022, with a luncheon that was attended by many family members and friends.

Jim's hobbies included hunting, fishing, tinkering in his garage, coin collecting, singing hymns with his sister, traveling, and ballroom dancing with his wife. After a major stroke in 1997, Jim lost his ability to speak, but that didn't stop him from taking several more international trips and cruises and having many other adventures, including traveling across the breadth of Canada by train and enjoying a hot air balloon ride with his family. Jim often visited his sons and spent time with their families, and he was especially fond of his grandchildren, with whom he spent many hours playing. He also loved watching baseball and rooting for the Cubs and the Bears.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, and father-in-law who was so proud and supportive of his family. He also was a loving son, brother, grandfather, and uncle who enjoyed spending time and laughing with everyone. We will greatly miss his giant bear hugs, his baritone chuckle, his mischievous smile, and his wonderful sense of humor.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 4th, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at Sunset Funeral Home, with burial following at Walnut Corner Cemetery. Memorials may be made to 'Love the Lou' with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Services Visitation Thursday August 4, 2022 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Thursday August 4, 2022 2:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834