Dr. Harold D. James

IN MEMORY OF: Dr. Harold D. James Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – ANNA 135 West Vienna Street, Anna, Illinois Dr. Harold D. James, age 87, of Buncombe, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:10 AM at his home. Harold was born on February 1, 1936 to Marion Westbrook and Myrtle Mae (Boomer) James in Williamson County, Illinois. He was married Frances Elizabeth (Allen) James and she survives. He moved to the Pleasant Grove community in Johnson County in the early 1940s. He graduated from the one-room schoolhouse in Pleasant Grove. Harold attended and graduated from Vienna High School in 1954. In 1958, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1960 from the University Of Illinois School Of Veterinary Medicine. From 1960 -1962, Harold was a Captain in the United States Air force and was stationed in Long Island, New York at the Air Defense Command, 52nd Fighter Group. After, the Air Force, he moved to Carmi, Illinois in the fall of 1962 and started a private practice vet clinic until 1963. In 1964, he joined Dr. Joe Meller in Anna, Illinois and eventually they became partners to establish Meller-James Veterinary Professional Clinic. Harold was a former member of the Anna Kiwanis Club, the Anna District 37 School Board, President of the Shawnee College Citizens Advisory Committee, and a member American Veterinary Medical Association since 1960. Some of Harold’s favorite pastime activities were traveling, reading, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family. Harold joined First Christian Church on February 12, 1964 became an Elder and was currently an Elder Emeritus. Along with his wife, he is survived by sons, Allen James (Barbara Flamm James) and Stuart James (Lisa Gray James), Grandchildren, Nick James (Kara), Carly Holtkamp (Travis), Brady James (Kenzie), Tristan James (Brandon Azoulai), and Colton James (Amy), great-grandchildren, Jayla, Leonard, Tate, and Tenley, sister, Marilyn Berry (Steve), nieces, Michele (Cary) Oliver and Suzanne (Rick) Fox, great nieces, Shawna (Tyler) Solomon, and Jordi Oliver, and great -great niece Mara Solomon, and step-brother, Gene (Joan) Teal. Visitation for Dr. James will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Monday, April 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church, 200 Mallard Lane in Anna. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church in Anna with Dee Armes and Joey Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow the Funeral Services at Allen Cemetery in Buncombe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorials be made to First Christian Church and/or the College of Veterinary Medicine Achievement Fund at U of I. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

Dr. Harold D. James

February 1, 1936 - April 17, 2023