James Foss

James Foss, age 79, of Grantsburg, IL, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019 at the family farm house that he was born in.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Kent Hollis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites.

James was united in marriage with Carolyn Sue Cromeenes on June 7, 1964 and they were married 50 years until her passing in 2014. Mr. Foss was an U.S. Army veteran who served as a military policeman and played Army football for two years. He was a lifelong farmer, hunter and conservationist who was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church. James was also a Mason, a 30+ year member of the N.W.T.F. who served as President of Local Shawnee Hills Long Beards from 1990 to 2010 and was known for sketching and painting wildlife. It was during his years with the N.W.T.F. that he met Mike Murphy, a wildlife biologist, that helped him make the first capture and release of wildlife turkeys in Southern Illinois possible.  

James is survived by two daughters, Angela Jo (Foss) English and husband Matt and Mollie Jean Foss; two grandsons, Ryan James English and wife Whitney; and Chase Reed Wilson; brother-in-law and best friend, Jim Cromeenes and wife Mary Ann; sisters-in-law, Alice Persson and Jean Caldwell; several nieces and nephews; and special extended family member, Carrie Heflin Myers.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Lena (Quint) Foss; wife, Carolyn; one daughter, Amy Sue Foss; sister, Eva Mae Buchanan; brothers, William Joe Foss and Lowell Fred Foss.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, July 6th from 9 am until the funeral hour.

Memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to St. John Lutheran Church 5187 Old Marion Road Metropolis, IL 62960. Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

Pallbearers will be Ryan English, Chase Wilson, Matt English, Kevin Foss, Greg Horman, Andrew Cromeenes, Chris Cromeenes, Doug Shockley

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