James "Jim" C Bays Sr.

James C. “Jim” Bays Sr, 75 of Danville, passed away in his home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 16th from 4-6pm at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville. Masonic Services will follow promptly at 6pm by Pleasant View Lodge. Graveside services will be at 10:30am on Wednesday, April 17th at Atherton Cemetery on Perrysville Road.

   Jim was born on March 25, 1949 in Danville to Carl and June (Rogers) Bays. He attended Danville schools and graduated from Danville High School. Jim spent a majority of his life working for the State of Illinois Highway Dept. as Foreman. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed golfing and working on miscellaneous projects in his pole barn. His group of golfing buddies, and Friday lunch group, were something he looked forward to every week. His constant companion and fur baby Mobear already misses him greatly. Jim was a member of Pleasant View Lodge #0782 located in Bismarck, and was Past Monarch and Treasurer of The GAO Grotto.

   Jim married Mary “Becky” Gnaden on November 22, 1968 and the two shared nearly fifty-four years together before her passing in June of 2022. He leaves behind a son James (Melanie) Bays, five grandchildren: Kendall Irby, Jakob Irby, Rachel Irby, Taylor Bays, and Jason Bays, and three great-grandchildren: Ava Songer, Valerie Irby, and Christopher Irby. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Becky, and a daughter Sherri Bays.

   Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. Donations may be made in James’ name to an organization of the donor’s choice.

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