James Clarence Sumner

IN MEMORY OF: JAMES “JIM” C. SUMNER Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois James C. Sumner, age 88 of Grand Tower, was called to Heaven on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Anna, Illinois. He was born on March 7, 1936 in Pomona to Clarence Harvey and Verna (Aldridge) Sumner. He was a resident of Grand Tower since 1948. He was married by Justice of the Peace, Smider Burke, to the love of his life, Velma R. (Rains) Sumner on October 7, 1958 in Red Town, Illinois. They were blessed to celebrate their 65th anniversary together. That had one son, Isaac Timothy “Tim” Sumner. Jim had two career paths. First, he owned a photographic studio where he was the lead photographer for 15 years. He then took over ministry at the Pilgrim Chapel Pentecostal Church in Grand Tower from his father in 1968. He belonged to the School of Prophets religious organization which consisted of ministers of all denominations. He continued to minister until retirement in 2012. Jim loved to discuss and share Bible stories and listen to others testimonials and experiences. He counted over 100 ministers and their families that had visited him, and he gladly provided them with shelter and food. As part of his ministry, he went on mission trips to Israel, and twice to Haiti where he shared the gospel and fellowship with the local community. He described all three trips as experiences of a lifetime! In his younger years, Jim loved to walk on stilts—he would say the higher the better? He also enjoyed camping out with his son and other children. He was good with children and they tended to flock with him. Jim also liked searching for and finding Native American artifacts. Jim is survived by his wife, Velma Sumner; son, Isaac Timothy “Tim” Sumner; step-granddaughter, Mandy King of Mississippi; sisters-in-law Lorene Lovejoy of Marion, IL and Judy (Herb) Heaton of Dorsey, IL; nieces, Dona (Art) Hanley of Lake of Egypt, IL; Karen Williams of Edwardsville, IL and Beverly (Joe) Kosmos of Elkville, IL; nephews, Alan Lovejoy of Marion, IL; Herb (Dawn) Heaton of Edwardsville, IL; Terry Alliss of Sturgis, KY; Joey Kosmos and Michael Morgan; cousins, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Bryan and Ella Rains; daughter-in-law, Theresa Sumner; a sister, Eloise Alliss; and brothers-in-law, Dale Alliss and Donald Lovejoy. He will be dearly missed. Funeral Services for James C. Sumner will be Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm in Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with Pastor Joey Kosmos officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of love may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

James Clarence Sumner

March 7, 1936 - May 6, 2024