REV. JAMES CLOYD ELDER

Rev. James Elder

Rev. James Cloyd Elder, 80, of Urbana died July 13, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital’s Hospice Care in Urbana, surrounded by family.

He was born June 5, 1940, in Urbana, a son of Obel and Daisy Cloyd Elder. He married Diana Knoespel on Dec. 29, 1962, in Kenosha, Wis. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, James J. (and Dawn) of Assumption, Mark D. (and Jim) of Alexandria, Va., and Andrew T. (and Michelle) of Chenoa; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Joe; and one granddaughter, Sarah Michelle.

He grew up in Villa Grove and graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1958. He earned his master of science degree in education from Eastern Illinois University. He then went on to receive his master of divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. His final degree came with his earning a master of extension education from the University of Illinois in 1989.

He served as pastor in the United Methodist Church for 40 years, serving the Sheldons Grove, Gifford/Henning, Gibson City/Elliott, Astoria (early 1970s), Oneida, Blue Mound, Urbana Wesley, Forrest and Arthur United Methodist churches.

He was a member of the Illinois Masonic Lodge, and was often active in the Rotary Clubs in the various communities where he lived.

A private memorial service was held Monday. Burial was in the Centennial Cemetery (Villa Grove South Cemetery). A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory in Urbana was in charge of arrangements.

Gifts, designated in memory of Rev. Jim Elder, can be made either to: First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820; or WILL TV and Radio, Campbell Hall for Public Telecommunications, 300 N. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.

Condolences may be sent to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 7/22/2020