James William DeLaBar Jr.

James William DeLaBar Jr., 90, of Fillmore, passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.

Jim was born on March 19, 1932 to James W. (Bill) and Marjorie Delabar in Oquawka, Ill.

After graduating from Oquawka High School, Jim worked on the family farm and as a heavy equipment operator. He went on to work for nearly 50 years in the furniture and merchandising industry in Geneva and Aurora, Ill., and Indianapolis. Following his retirement, Jim provided lawn mowing services for the Heritage Lake Homeowners Association in Fillmore.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Jim grew up along the Mississippi River. He enjoyed playing and watching all types of sports, providing coaching and skill advice to his children.

He was known for long, entertaining family stories, which he loved to share often, as well as his Sunday morning pancakes.

Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn B. (Sandy) DeLaBar; his parents, Bill and Marjorie Delabar; his sister, Barbara (Delabar) Pruett; and his brother Eddie M. Delabar.

He is survived by his second wife of 40 years, Norma F. DeLaBar; his daughter, Sandra C. Nekoloff (Michael) and son Steven C. DeLaBar (Barbara); grandchildren James J. Nekoloff, Nicole M. Nekoloff and Jack DeLaBar and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepsons, Bruce Taggart (Chris) and Frank Taggart, step-grandchildren Jon (Alexa) and Jeff Taggart and Sarah Taggart, and step-great-grandchildren William and Graham Taggart.

A celebration of life will be held in Greencastle following the holidays and Jim will be buried in Oquawka, Ill., where he had many happy memories.