James E. Chambliss

Manito, IL - James E. Chambliss, 56, of Manito, IL passed away at 6:43 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 13, 1956 in Xenia, OH, the son of James E. and Vivian (Anderson) Chambliss. He married Barbara J. Hancher on Sept. 7, 1974 in Middletown, IN and she survives. Also surviving are his mother, Vivian Chambliss of Anderson, IN; mother and father in-law, Kenny and W. Jean Hancher of Middletown, IN; three sons, Shane E. Chambliss of Manito, IL, Jeremy J. (Stephanie) Chambliss of Middletown, IN, Justin L. (Brandy) Chambliss of Pekin, IL; seven grandchildren, Celton and Baylee Chambliss of Middletown, IN, Dairean Chambliss of Manito, IL, Miah, Austyn, Christian and Brendon Chambliss all of Pekin, IL; one half-brother, Richard E. (Carol) Chambliss of Englewood, FL; one sister, Sharon L. (Robert) Montgomery of Anderson, IN; and one brother, Gary R. Chambliss of Washington Court House, OH. Mr. Chambliss was preceded in death by his father, James; one nephew, Gary L. Montgomery; his grandparents; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Jim was an ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He started his career in railroading with Penn Central/Conrail Railroad in 1974, before moving on to the railroad construction industry in 1992 Railworks Track Services for the past eighteen years and recently started his own railroad construction company, Century Railroad Builders, Inc. with his family. Funeral Services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012 at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown, IN. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following services. Jim was very passionate about helping needy families in this area. Memorial donations may be made to any local needy family or food bank in his name. Online condolences may be made at www.ballardandsons.com .