James Ernest Vancil

James Ernest “Jim” Vancil, 82, of Galesburg, died on Saturday, June 25, 2016, 8:40 pm at Heartland Healthcare Center, Galesburg. Jim was born on December 29, 1933, Avon. He was the son of Jesse Ernest and Lois (Blancett) Vancil. He married the love of his life, Joan Rock, on December 30, 1951 in Avon. Jim is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Joan; two sons, James (Elizabeth) Vancil of Davenport, and Jesse (Karen) Vancil of Springfield; two brothers Kenny Vancil of Bushnell, and Bernard (Katie) Vancil of North Carolina; two sisters, Martha Cooley of Coal Valley, and Bernice (Ron) Wiley of New Jersey; four grandchildren, Vicki (Jim) Bowers of Colona, Matthew (Heidi) Vancil of Florida, Erica (Richard) Woo of Lake Saint Louis, Mo, and Luke Vancil of Springfield; and four great-grandchildren, Brandon (Nicole Broderson) Bowers of Galesburg, Ashli Bowers of Colona, Benjamin Woo and Elsie Woo both of Lake Saint Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Llyod Vancil and Raymond Neil Vancil. Jim attended Midwest Bible College, graduating in 1963, with a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies. In his early years he worked as a farmhand; later as an Operator for the Operating Engineers Union Local #649. Jim was also a Baptist minister for 50 years, spreading the word and his love for God and Jesus Christ at many of the local churches in the community. During his pastoral career, Jim and Joan both worked as missionaries for The Evangical Alliance Mission (TEAM) for many years in Columbia, South America. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Jim was able to spend the majority of his life doing what he loved and did best, to teach and spread the word of God. Although he retired from giving sermons at the pulpit, he continued to preach the Bible and give valuable lessons until the day he left this Earth. Jim always loved spending time with his family, whether the family was immediate, extended or his church family. Always one with a “long winded joke” or some playful banter, Jim was the giver of hugs whether you went to him or he found you hiding in the corner. Jim celebrated life and lived everyday as it was a blessing. His jubilant presence, sermons, giving of Grace at Christmas, and smile will be missed by those who cherish him most. Jim’s family has taken comfort in knowing that he walked into those pearly gates with the Lord meeting him and saying, “Well done my faithful servant.” Visitation will be from 9-10:30 am, Friday July 1, 2016 at Bethel Baptist Church, Galesburg. Funeral Services will be held at the church following the visitation at 11. Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. A private burial of cremated remains will be held at Bushnell Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Jim’s honor may be given to Galesburg Rescue Mission.