James F. Van Eman
d. October 2, 2020
James F. Van Eman, of Athens passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 peacefully at his home.
He was born July 20, 1941 in Springfield, Illinois to Oliver “Lucky” and Thelma (Lawson) Van Eman.
Jim graduated from Athens High School and attended electrical equipment schooling for the Army Security Agency. He served for the U.S. Army from 1962-1965.
Jim was a teamster for local #916. He drove for Anderson Clayton for 10 years, Carnation and Bunn, and retired from ABF after 21 years.
Jim was also a retired operating engineer from local #965. He also worked for K.E. Vasconcelles in Jacksonville for many years.
He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles to Sturgis, Myrtle Beach and Panama City. He also enjoyed delivering Easter baskets on his motorcycle to Hazel Dell School.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Temple and a Master Mason for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Ansar Shrine and ABATE. More recently you could find him enjoying a cold beer at the Corner Bar or Longbranch with his friends in Athens.
He married Sharon Van Eman in 1962 and they had two daughters. He is survived by two daughters, Sheila (Bob) Bartletti of Springfield and Brenda Van Eman (Nicole) of Dawson; four grandchildren, Ashleigh (Drew) Smith, Britni (Andy) Beck, Mallori (Troy) Tremain and Lucas (Taryn) Hendren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Wells of Athens; nephew, Brian Wells of Athens; and niece, Pam Richards of Springfield.
Memorials can be made to the Ansar Shrine.
Visitation for Jim will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 from 10:00 until time of Masonic services at 11:45AM. Funeral services for Jim will be held at 12:00 noon at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens with Rev. Ken Gennicks officiating.
CDC protocol will be followed. Masks and social distancing will be requested.
Burial will be at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens after the services.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted October 3rd, 2020 at 3:14 pm
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
Posted October 3rd, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Janet and family I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted October 3rd, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Sheila, Brenda and families, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 🙏🙏🙏
Stephanie Devine
Posted October 3rd, 2020 at 6:22 pm
Sheila, Brenda and family. So sorry for your loss 🙏🏼
Posted October 4th, 2020 at 1:05 am
I am so sorry .sending prayers to all the family.I will be thinking of you all.God bless.
Posted October 4th, 2020 at 8:59 am
Condolences to Sheila and Brenda and all of Jim’s family. So sorry for you loss.
Posted October 6th, 2020 at 7:24 am
So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. Always enjoyed our riding days together. Jim was a good man and a great friend.
Posted October 6th, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Sheila and Brenda , my deepest sympathy. Early 70`s we ran 2-man for just over 2 years that is a lot of long conversations. I know how much you both meant to him. I wanted to come just to see you as grown up folks., Brenda , with golden blond pigtails and loveable independent way you melted my heart every time Carron and I visited the family. Carron and I are thinking of you both