EARLVILLE – James R. Bann, 85, of Earlville, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home in Earlville, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville, with Father Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023 at St. Theresa Catholic Church 221 W. Union St. Earlville.

He was born Sept. 5, 1937, in New Baden, the son of James W. and Dolores (Kassebaum) Bann. He married Geri L. Pagakis on Oct. 17, 1970 in Ottawa.

He is survived by his wife Geri; his son, James John of Earlville, his daughter, Susan Maria (Penny) of La Crosse, Wis., and his son Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jennifer) of Missoula, Mont.; four grandchildren, Evan, Owen, Ella and Clare; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Bill, Paul, Ralph, Bob and Carl; four sisters, Gloria, Marilyn, Susan and Corrine.

He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville. Jim came to Earlville in 1959 to teach Chemistry and Physics at Earlville High School. In 1964, he joined the National Bank of Earlville and in 1976 he became President. Jim was also Chairman of the Board through 2019.

He was a longtime member of the Earlville Lions Club, former President, and founder of The Helping Hands Committee, and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for service in the Lions Club. Jim also served the community by serving on the Earlville Library Board and Earlville School Board. He was also a member of the IL Bankers Association.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Earlville Lions Club Helping Hands, Earlville Library or St. Theresa Catholic Church. For more information or to sign the online guest book go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.