Obituary: Abbey

James Perry Abbey, 96, of Cropsey, died at 5:45am Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Memorial services will be 10:30 am Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Cropsey United Methodist Church with Pastor Wayne Giermann officiating. Inurnment will be at Cropsey Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.

Jim was born November 14, 1927 at Fairbury Hospital, the son of Lester and Fern Simmons Abbey.  He married Lois Mae Gee on December 10, 1947 at Cropsey.  She preceded him in death on July 9, 2007.

Surviving are his children: Sandy Mies, Fairbury, David (Margaret) Abbey, St. Petersburg, FL, Lynette (Jeff) Weber, Watseka, Jeff Abbey, Cropsey, Dawn (Roberto) Pagan, Bartonville, Julie (Tom) Saathoff, Kempton, and Leslie Abbey, Normal.  Also surviving is a special friend, Neva Rohrer, Sibley, and her family with whom he had formed a close bond.  He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Mae, brother, Jerry, daughter, Bonnie Abbey Smith, and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Dohman Abbey.

Jim grew up in Belle Prairie Township.  He attended Potosi Country School, and was a 1945 graduate of Cropsey High School.  He was a fifth-generation farmer in Belle Prairie Township area.  He was a member of Cropsey United Methodist Church.  He was a charter member of the Cropsey Sportsmen’s Club, and served on the Fairbury-Cropsey School Board.

Jim did not know a stranger!  Jim and his family are very thankful for the kind and loving care given at Fairview Haven.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to: Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Cropsey United Methodist Church, Cropsey Area Community Fund or Cropsey Cemetery Association.