James W. Van Cleve

James William Van Cleve, age 91 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis. James was affectionately known as Dad, Papasan, Yes Father, Pops, Papa Jim, Great Papa, Uncle Jimmy and, to his golfing buddies, Butter Bean. Jim was born on May 25, 1934 to Roswell and Zella Mae (Odum) Van Cleve in the Sanburn Community in Johnson County, Illinois. Jim is survived by: his children – James (Kathy), John (Michele), Jeffrey (Cindy), and Zella (Steve); two honorary sons – Ronnie and Ramlow; grandchildren – Mike (Kristi), Julieann (Zach), Casey (Tom), Dakota (Kayla), Sabrie (Matt), Jacob, Myrick (Audrianna), Stevie, Ryan, Kyle (Brooke), Dylan, Gabriel and Tyler; great-grandchildren – Lana, Augustus, Blakely, Braxton, Huxley, Hezekiah, River, Abel-James, Briggs, Keilah, Alana, Maddox, Lydia, Amelia, Aubrey, Cooper, Delaney and Oliver; a sister – Amy; and a brother – Ray; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Jim was eagerly anticipating the birth of another great-granddaughter in December. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by: a son – Jamie Allen; a grandson – Michael; a great-granddaughter – Olivia; 4 brothers – George, Lloyd, Joe and Earl; and 2 sisters – Mary Alice and Verla Mae. Jim was a graduate of Waukegan High School. As a Waukegan American Legion baseball player, Jim was scouted by the Chicago White Sox. He played minor league baseball for the Nationals and resided in Emporia, Virginia. During his residency in Virginia, Jim began working at A & P Tea Company. Later, following his return to Northern Illinois, Jim worked for A & P as a general manager of the Fox Lake, Illinois store until 1982. He also worked as a nurse at the Waukegan Veterans Affairs Hospital. Following his move to Southern Illinois, Jim found many handyman jobs and activities to keep him busy. He was an avid outdoorsman. He particularly enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. Jim was a natural athlete and sportsman. In addition to playing minor league baseball, he also coached Khoury League baseball and umpired through the years. Jim was a member of the P.B.A. (Professional Bowlers Association). He is remembered as a passionate golfer and worked for several seasons as a member of the grounds crew at Green Acres Golf Course at Energy. Additionally, Jim loved to shoot pool and participated in pool league competitions and tournaments. Jim was a member of the Christian faith. A funeral service honoring the life of James Van Cleve will be conducted Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Jim’s son, Pastor Jeff Van Cleve, will officiate. Burial will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery north of Vienna. There will be a time of visitation on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Van Cleve family. Checks may be made to Jeff Van Cleve and mailed c/o Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois, 62995.

James W. Van Cleve

May 25, 1934 - June 7, 2025