James A. Mooney

James A. Mooney, 81, passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, surrounded by his family. The son of Howard and Betty (Wallace) Mooney, he was born on January 5th, 1945 in West Memphis, AR.

Jim is survived by Alice (Gajewski) Mooney, his wife of 47 years; children Michael, Casey, Kimberly, and Matthew; siblings Tom, Fred, Alex, and Wallace; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, John. 

Jim was a retired Army veteran, having served honorably for 21 years and was twice awarded the Bronze Star. He then had a full career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked as a postal carrier and supervisor.

Jim had a deep love for nature and spent much of his free time camping and enjoying the outdoors. He was an avid reader and had an interest in computers. In earlier years, he pursued hobbies like woodcarving and singing, which brought him immense joy. He was extremely outgoing and always enjoyed meeting and truly connecting with new people

Education was important to Jim; he received a bachelor's degree from Columbia College in Columbia, MO, and went on to earn a master's degree in history and government from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. 

One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as an officiant with the Ethical Society of St. Louis, where he joyously performed marriage ceremonies for many.

A celebration to honor Jim’s life will be held at a later date. To inquire about details, please contact amooney3704@sbcglobal.net.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820, is honored to be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Please join Jim’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfunerlahome.com