Joe Bolander

James "Joe" Bolander, 81, of Washington, IL, passed away at 8:57 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on January 13, 1944, in Peoria, IL, to Clifford and Alberta Frisby Bolander. He married Barb Maxwell on November 18, 1977.

Surviving are his wife, Barb of Washington; their children, Kathy (Ralph) Maple of Washington, Peggy Hinkle of Mt. Pleasant, IA,  James Bolander of Bloomington, IL, and Patricia Bolander of Peoria. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Further surviving are one brother, Tom Bolander of  North Carolina; and one sister Becky Collins of East Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Christopher, one brother, Jessie Collins Jr, and three sisters, Florence Medley, Thelma Cope, and Bonnie Collins.

James proudly served as a U.S. Army Veteran, having served honorably from 1967 to 1969. Following his military service, he dedicated 30 years to Caterpillar Tractor Company, where he worked as an assembler, retiring on October 1, 1999.

He had a passion for traveling, with a particular fondness for cruises. Whether he was playing cards, hitting the bowling alley, or cheering on the Peoria Chiefs at their baseball games, he always embraced life with enthusiasm. His love for bowling truly set him apart as an avid enthusiast of the sport.

A visitation will be from noon until 1 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria with Military Honors rendered by the U.S. Army. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.