James Lewis Banning (74) of Mattoon, formerly of Neoga

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Published on September 11 2022 7:05 pm

James Lewis Banning 74, of Mattoon, Illinois formerly of Neoga, Illinois passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022, in his residence.

He was born June 13, 1948 in Wyandotte, Michigan the son of Henry and Kathryn (Elliott) Mann. Jim married Becky (Navis) Ballinger September 24, 2011 in Mattoon, Illinois. Mrs. Banning passed away April 27, 2022. Mr. Banning was retired from the Illinois Highway Department he also loved his country and was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy in the SeaBees Battalion 13 where he achieved a rank of E3 stationed in Gulf Port, Mississippi and also he served in Vietnam. Mr. Banning was an avid craftsman and enjoyed building things, but mostly loved his family and watching his grandchildren play sports. Jim attended the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon, Illinois.

He is survived by his father, Henry Mann of Ballard, West Virginia; children, Christopher "Shane" (Marsha) Banning of Louisville, Illinois, James "Shawn" (April) Banning of Neoga, Illinois, Dale "Shannon" (Brandi) Banning of Queen Creek, Arizona, Henry "Shea" (Vanessa) Banning of Neoga, Illinois, Angie (Corey) Hoedebecke, of Springfield, Illinois and Wendy (Cory) Patterson of Lerna, Illinois; twelve grandchildren, Samantha (Matt) Weidner, Christina Banning, Bailey Banning, Blair Banning, Chase Banning, Dakota Banning, Weston Banning, Leah Banning, Dianna Banning, Tanner (Faith) Bryson, Logan Adams and Colin Patterson; six great grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Karen) Banning of Charleston, Illinois and Susie Becker of Neoga, Illinois and special friend, Michael C. Heath of Windsor, Illinois.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Mann; sister, Donna Dingess and brother in law, Leroy Becker.

Memorials are suggested to the family C/O Shawn banning 644A CR 1000 N Neoga, IL 62447.

As per James' wishes cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration Of Life Service will be held at 5:00 pm Wednesday September 14, 2022 in the Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois. Visitation will be held Wednesday September 14, 2022 from 3:00 pm until service time at the funeral home. Military services will follow the Celebration of Life at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by clicking here.