James E. "Jim" Debolt

James Emerson "Jim" DeBolt, 96, of Metamora, IL passed away at 1:00 am on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Reflections Memory Care in Washington, Illinois. He was born on October 14, 1920 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Raymond and Mary "Mamie" (Adami) DeBolt. He married Alverna E. Rohman on May 3, 1946 in Metamora. She survives. Also surviving are two sons Reverend Robert (LuAnn) DeBolt and Lee (Donna) DeBolt both of Metamora; one daughter Kay DeBolt of Bedford, Texas; five grandchildren Amy (Matt) Moehle, Joy (Chad) Whittington, Shawn Johnson, Jennifer (Chris) Schertz, and Eric (Tracy) DeBolt; ten great-grandchildren Alexa, Jack, and Dash Moehle, Lucas Whittington, Zach, Ben, and Luke Johnson, Ewan and Emma Schertz, and Avery DeBolt with two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son James Jr., one infant daughter Patricia, two brothers Glenwood "Tom" DeBolt and Willard "Bill" DeBolt, and one sister Frances Pierce. James was a World War II U.S. Army Air Force Veteran, serving from 1941 to 1945 while stationed in England. Staff Sergeant DeBolt flew 66 missions over France, Belgium, and Holland. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eleven Oak Leaf Clusters and the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with two Battle Stars. He was a painter all his life and owned and operated DeBolt Supply (now Midwest Equipment) in Metamora from 1954 to 1971. The family would like to thank Reflections Memory Care of Washington and Transitions Hospice Care for their wonderful care of Jim. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with his son, Reverend Bob DeBolt, officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Air Force Military Rites Team. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Mary's School in Metamora. Friends may visit online at www.masonfuneralhomes.com to extend condolences to the family.