James H. Bristol, 84, of Sheridan, passed Saturday afternoon, July 9, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. James was born February 28, 1932 in Wedron, to Harry J. & Nettie M. (Benson) Bristol. He graduated from Serena High School in 1949. He served in the US Army from 1952 – 1954 and had been stationed in Austria during the Korean War. He married his High School Sweetheart, Marian "Orrie" Stangeland October 24, 1954 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Together, they owned and operated a grocery business for 30 years, employing family and numerous friends. They celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary in 2015. Jim had served as Township supervisor for over 35 years, helped develop the Sheridan Sanitary district, and served on countless boards and committees locally. He also served several positions and as trustee for the Sheridan United Methodist Church for over 30 years. Notably, Jim attended the VetsRoll trip out of Beloit, WI to Washington, D.C. in May of this year. The 4 day bus trip, with over 200 fellow Veterans, was a very humbling and memorable trip for him. And as always, he created many new friends and lasting relationships. He is survived by his wife Marian "Orrie" Bristol; his four children, Bradley (Diane) Bristol of Somonauk, Beth Susan (Robert) Kotz of Newman, Georgia, Amy Jo (William) Palmer of Geneva, Marc (Tracy) Bristol of Boca Raton, Florida; thirteen grandchildren, Zachary, Noah Palmer, Monica Kotz, Megan Mitchell, Marcy Ernat, Michele Rossler, Melanie Sember, Matt Bristol, Logan Bristol, Hunter Bristol, Bobby, Max, Allyson Waszak; fourteen great grandchildren and his brother Wayne "Buck" Borchsenius of Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16th at the Sheridan United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Fassig officiating. Sheridan American Legion Post #729 will conduct military funeral honors at the church. Interment of cremains will be at a later date at the Sheridan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sheridan United Methodist Church, 219 S. Bushnell St. Sheridan, IL 60551, or the Sheridan American Legion Post #729, P.O Box 206 Sheridan, IL. 60551 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home Ltd in Sheridan. Phone 815-496-2003. For more information or to leave a condolence message visit www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com