James Ping

James R. Ping, 72, of Bismarck passed away on August 9, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital. Jim was born March 5, 1936 in Newell Township Illinois, the son of Harold and Marjorie Moss Ping. He married Joyce Moss on July 14, 1957 in Bismarck. She survives along with their two children: Kirsten (Mike) Kraft of Lebanon, IN, and their children Allison and Kip (Teresa) Ping of Loveland, OH, and their children Abby two sisters: Marilyn Neal & Linda (Bill) Marion, both of Danville; sister-in-law: Janice (Bob) Price of Newport News, VA; and several special nieces & nephews and his church family and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim was a 1954 graduate of Bismarck High School, 1958 graduate of ISU Normal receiving a BS in Education, 1963 graduate of the U of I receiving a Masters in Administration. He taught at Armstrong High for the 1958-1959 school year and taught at Bismarck-Henning High School from 1959 until retiring in 1992. He had worked as a teacher, music instructor, and director of plays & musicals. He sponsored the National Honor Society, the high school yearbook & student council. After retirement he started Carriage Lane Florist and owned & operated the business for 5 years until retiring in 1998. Jim was a member and Elder of Northside Church of Christ in Bismarck for a number of years, and also Bismarck Lions Club and Newell Township Historical Society. Jim enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, gardening and genealogy, but his greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife and family. A celebration of Jims life will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Northside Church of Christ in Bismarck with Jimmy Hodges and Jim Russell officiating. The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 3-8 pm Wednesday afternoon and evening at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St, Danville, IL. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck. Memorials may be made to the Northside Church of Christ or the Newell Township Historical Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com