James E. Chase

James Edward Chase, of Athens, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Memorial Hospice at Heritage in Springfield, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen (Sale) Chase; children, Teresa (David) Reiser, Lisa (John) Downey, MaryBeth (Jim) Kunzer, and Matt (Jo) Sale; and grandchildren, Hannah, Eli, & Maureen Reiser, Elizabeth & Sarah Downey, Madison, Emily, & Chase Kunzer, and Mason Sale.  Also survived by Roxanna Martin, mother of his children.

Jim is preceded in death by his brothers, Harry (Mary Alice) & Gary (Louise) Chase; and his parents, Arthur & Ruth Chase.

He was born on February 16, 1937 in Henry, Illinois the son of Arthur and Ruth (Hall) Chase.  Jim was raised in Tiskilwa, Illinois.  He graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1956 and then served for the U.S. Navy for four years.  During his service he was on the submarine, USS ODAX.

Jim was the manager of the Sohigro Fertilizer Plant in Greenview, IL and was a salesman of chemical application equipment for Westlake Equipment Company in Riverton, IL.  He finished his career at the Secretary of State in Springfield, IL.  Upon retirement, he enjoyed designing and building custom furniture for family and friends.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping and woodworking.  Jim enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard and garden.  He especially loved being with his family.

He was a member of the Athens United Methodist Church and Walnut Masonic Lodge #653.

A celebration of life open house will be held on Saturday, April 7 ^th from 11 am – 2 pm at the Athens United Methodist Church in the Upper Room with a prayer service at noon.  Lunch will be provided.

Memorials can be given to Memorial Hospice at Heritage in Springfield.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.