James L. Erwin

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James L. "Pappy" Erwin, 84, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2010 at his residence.

Jim had been a Superintendent for Illinois Power Company for 24 years. He had also worked for the City of Flora and Clay County Electric. He was of the Pentecostal faith. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Jim was a member of the Du Quoin American Legion, V.F.W., and Elks. He had been Past Commander for Flora V.F.W., was a Mason and a member of Scottish Rites. Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed working in his yard, helping his neighbors, and would do anything for anybody. He loved camping, boating and fishing.

He was born Jan. 1, 1926 at Sailor Springs, Ill., the son of Paul H. and Beulah (McCraw) Erwin.

He married LaJean Erdman on April 26, 1947 at Flora, Ill. and she preceded him in death on Aug. 24, 2009.

He is survived by one son - James Erwin, Jr. and wife Carol of Port St. Joe, Fla.; two daughters - Ruth Showalter and husband Greg and Jill Leake and husband Tim, all of Du Quoin; three sisters - Jean Ferguson of Flora, Marilyn Cockerell of Clay City and Erba Cosner of Pensacola, Fla.; two brothers - Don Erwin of Gainesville, Ga. and Jerry Erwin of Olney; six grandchildren - Lee Ann Landmann and husband Roger of Highland, Ill., Michelle Denny and husband David of Columbia, Ill., Jennifer Sanders and husband Travis of Salem, Ill., Brooke Robnett and husband Mark of Knoxville, Tenn. and Shelby Leake and Carter Leake, both of Du Quoin; nine great grandchildren - Cole, Jack, and Luke Landmann, Tyson and Morgan Sanders, Will, Sam, and Caroline Denny and Gavin Robnett; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and three brothers - Dale Erwin, George Erwin, and Jack Erwin.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. John Reed officiating.

Friends called from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W.

Friends may make memorials to the MS Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.