James Underwood

James Underwood, age 86, of Sherman, passed away on Friday February 18, 2022 at his residence.

He was born in 1935 near Sherman, Illinois, the son of Walter and Violet (Coleman) Underwood.

James married Anne Schoeneweiss on April 26, 1958.

Mourning his passing are his wife, Anne; two sons, Stephen (wife Brenda) Underwood of Springfield, IL and David Underwood of Sadorus, IL; two grandchildren, Bryan Underwood of Springfield and Elizabeth “Beth” (husband Zach) Finn of Seattle, WA; one brother, Walter (wife Gale) Underwood; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by two half-brothers, Robert Pumphrey and Stanley Stephenson; and one half-sister, Eleanor Muir.

James retired from the Peoria Police Department after serving as a Police Officer from 1964-1985.  He also worked for Caterpillar for ten years.

James was a member of New Life Baptist Church in Athens. He was a life-member of the Illinois Police Association (IPA), served as president for 26 years for the City of Peoria Retiree Association, and served as a board member for the Sangamon County Farm Bureau for 15 years.

James served for the U.S. Army from 1958 through 1960.  He also served for the Arkansas National Guard and Illinois National Guard.

Visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 12:30 PM until time of service at 1:30 PM at New Life Baptist Church in Athens.  Burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Greenview immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Life Baptist Church in Athens.

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