James R. "Jim" Wiles Obituary (1942 - 2015)

James R. "Jim" Wiles, 73, of Macon, IL passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side at 2:10 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Macon. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday with Masonic Rites service at 4:45 p.m. Jim will be laid to rest in South Macon Township Cemetery with military rites provided by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois or Macon County Humane Society. Jim was born on November 11, 1942 in Decatur, IL, the son of Charles R. and Mildred J. "Mid" (Thornell) Wiles. He married Linda K. McClerren on June 2, 1968 in Decatur, IL. Jim attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Millikin University School of Radiology. He worked at Decatur Memorial Hospital in the X-ray department and later was named the Director of the School of Radiological Technology and also as Training Director of the hospital. Jim left his employment at DMH to become co-owner of Wiles Supermarket and Variety in Macon, IL. He proudly served in both the Army and Air Force. While in the Air Force Reserves, he was called into active duty over the Pueblo Crisis in 1968 and was stationed at Scott Air Force base in the medical unit. Jim was a life member of the South Macon Masonic Lodge #467. He loved sailing and had many friends and good times sailing both on Lake Shelbyville and the Lake Charlevoix area in Michigan. Jim is survived by his wife and soul mate of 47 years: Linda Wiles of Macon, IL; daughter: Jennifer Wiles of Mt. Zion, IL; two grandchildren: Alex and Alaina Barr of Mt. Zion, IL; two brothers: John Wiles and his wife Debbie of Mattoon, IL and Charles Wiles and his wife Lynette of Mt. Carmel, IL; He was preceded in death by his parents and his son: Chad R. Wiles. Jim was a great husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends...especially all the sailing friends he made over the years. Jim's family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support and prayers during his illness. We especially thank Dr. Wade, LeAnn Rhinehart, nurses and all the wonderful people in the lab. The simple words "thank you" cannot express our gratitude for all you said and did during a very difficult time Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.