James Lewis Bales, 78, of Hammond died at 8:50 am Saturday (February 27, 2016) at his daughter's home in Atwood with his girls by his side.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8pm Tuesday, March 1 at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, March 2 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Hammond Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded.

Jim was born February 13, 1938 in Decatur to Charles and Kathryn Shephard Bales. He married Phyllis Lowe on December 22, 1956. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2011.

Jim attended Bement schools and joined the Navy in 1955. After he and Phyllis were married, they spent his service time in Hawaii and Beeville, Texas. They returned to Illinois in 1958 where he worked at various jobs until he found the spot just for him as the go-to guy for the Village of Hammond. He retired the first time after 42 years as Water and Sewer Supervisor but was always willing to step in and help whenever he could, including riding the rock truck this last summer. He kept his plumber's license active for 50 years.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed tinkering and restoring tractors out in his shed with his brother Dave. He was always available when one of the kids needed something repaired or "Jimmy-rigged". He enjoyed collecting toy tractors and scratch off lottery tickets. His sidekick Peanut, never left his side. Jim enjoyed his grandchildren and loved going to their activities or just having them come and visit.

He will be missed dearly by his daughters Debbie Ball of Atwood, his favorite nurse; Becky Wittig of Philo, his favorite water getter and Jennifer Hoshauer of Fithian, his Boo Boo; son in laws Troy Hoshauer of Fithian and Ralph Wittig of Monticello.

He loved his grandchildren Katie (Lance) Russell, Ryan Wittig, Megan (Todd) Heath, Jamie Ball, Kyle Ball, Lukas Hoshauer and Logen Hoshauer. He was PaPa Flash to great grandchildren Joshua and Landyn Heath who could have cookies for breakfast when they spent the night.

He will also be missed by his brother Dave Bales of Bement, sister Patti (Keith) Wade of Hammond, brother in law Bill Lowe of Sullivan and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Mary Summers and brother Phillip Bales.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice or Mills Breast Cancer Institute.

A very special thank you to our girls, Lisa and Peggy.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com