James Bruce Phelps

Bruce Phelps, 69, of Colchester, Illinois, passed away at 7:00 AM Monday, December 31, 2018 at his residence.

He was born April 13, 1949, in Macomb, Illinois to Charles David and Lois Allton Phelps, the youngest of seven children. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Ryan, and daughter Michelle (Sam) Churchill, all of Colchester, a granddaughter, Mya Churchill, a grandson, Tyson Churchill, sisters Karol McClelland of West Point and Mary Lea Castlebury of Plymouth, five sisters in law, five brothers in law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean McCleary, brothers Tom, Bill, and David (Jr.) Phelps, 2 brother in laws, one sister in law, and one nephew.

He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1967 and then served in the Army National Guard in Quincy and Macomb. He was employed as a salesman for most of his life. He was active in many branches of Freemasonry, including Denver Lodge #464, Macomb Lodge #17, Quincy Consistory, Order of the Eastern Star #123, and Macomb York Rite.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, mushroom hunting, building scale model barns, mowing, collecting and restoring toy tractors, and college and pro sports. He especially found joy in giving everyone a nickname and always calling them by it, searching out all Cardinal fans to wish them a losing season, and being the self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Cat Lover. From a very young age growing up on a farm, he could always be found with a cat in one or both arms. But most of all, Bruce loved his family and friends. They were the light of his life, and he will be missed by them all.

Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday Jan. 5th, 2019, at Jones Mortuary in Colchester with Rev. Don Hightower officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening Jan.4th from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 PM. at the funeral home. Masonic services will follow the visitation at 7:00 PM. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Friday. Memorials can be made to the Colchester Rescue Squad or McDonough County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com

Visitation:

5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday at the funeral home with a 7:00 P.M. Masonic Service

Service:

10:30 A.M. Saturday at the Funeral Home

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Bruce Phelps, please visit our floral store.