- Obituary for Ival "Jim" Ping
Ival "Jim" Ping, 89, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at his home. He was born on May 24, 1926 in Decatur, the son of Oval H. and Burness Avery Ping. Jim married Lucille A. Swanson in Donovan on April 20, 1947 and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Linda Ping of Sheldon, Susan Ristenpart of Bakersfield, CA, and Peggy (Fred) Cahoe of Watseka; one sister, Florence Nimz of Watseka; five grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Stinnett, Anthony (Su) Branchini, Dawn Bittleston, Joseph Branchini, and David (Brandy) Cahoe; two step-grandchildren, Jason (Mary) Cahoe and Thea Campbell; nine great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his loyal pet, Betsy. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lulabell Portwood.
Jim served in the US Army during WW II in the 161st Infantry Division. He was a lifetime member of the 25th Infantry Division, Watseka American Legion, and Iroquois County VFW where he served as an active member of the Honor Guard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka and served on the board of directors of the Iroquois County Historical Society. Jim retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 32 years of service.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 27, 2015 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:30 am also at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Sabo officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Watseka American Legion Post 23 and Iroquois County VFW Post 7450.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Watseka or Iroquois County Historical Society.
Please share a memory of Jim at www.knappfuneralhomes.com
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1926 - 2015 (89 years)
