James "Jim" William Park

EAST PEORIA – James “Jim” William Park, 68, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, with his wife at his side. Jim was born January 16, 1941 in Peoria, to Tom and Irene Dierker Park. Jim married Lynn Borland on April 24, 1965 in Peoria. They later divorced and she survives. He married Linda (Hubert) McNary on September 4, 1981 in Peoria Heights. Jim leaves to cherish his precious memory, his beloved wife of 27 years, Linda of East Peoria, one daughter, Jeanna (Peter) Fearon of Peoria, one step-daughter, Melissa (Jim) Graf of Carpentersville, IL, one sister, Pat Mordhorst of Claremont, CA, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents, and an infant brother. Jim graduated from Longfellow Grade School and Woodruff High School. He attended Bradley University graduating in 1964 with a degree in music education. While at Bradley, he assisted with the band at Limestone High School, where he formed a dance band called, “Jim Park and The Starlighters.” He and the students soon booked dance jobs, and the “Starlighters” was born. With many different musicians throughout the years, “Jim Park and The Starlighters” was a successful dance band for 50 years! Jim’s teaching career, as a band and music director, spanned over four decades. Jim taught at seven schools thoughout the Peoria area. He gave lessons at Peoria Musical when he was only sixteen and gave many private lessons over 40 years. In the late 70’s, Jim and his partner Bill Vandeveer opened a music store in Canton called “The Music Staff.” He began playing percussion in the Peoria Municipal Band at age 16 and continued for the next 40 years. He served as the band’s librarian for most of that time. In 1979, Jim had a life-long dream realized when he became the musical director of “Promises, Promises,” at Peoria Players. Then, in 1981, he was asked to do a second musical called, “The Redhead”. He said it was the best fun he had ever had. After retiring from teaching, Jim entertained at nursing and retirement homes. He averaged 60+ jobs per month and covered approximately 110 homes in central Illinois. Jim brought a lot of love, as well as entertainment to thousands of seniors; which was deeply fulfilling for him. Jim loved to be busy. Even stage 4 colon cancer didn’t slow him down. On top of all his many endeavors, he was also very involved with church music. He worked at First Baptist Church of Peoria as handbell director for 20 years; Peoria Heights Congregational Church as choir and handbell director for 19 years; and Sunnyland Christian Church as choir and handbell director for 15 years. For the last several years, he did all of this at the same time. Over the years, many Christmas cantatas and handbell festivals were given under the direction of Jim Park. In 1986, Jim decided he would like to start a church band at Peoria Heights Congregational. The newly formed concert band played their first concert at an ice cream social at the church with 13 members. They later played that year at the Peoria Heights Beef Festival and the high school homecoming parade. It was a great community outreach for the church, playing at retirement and nursing homes through the fall, winter, and spring and giving outdoor concerts at Tower Park in the summer. The band later became the Peoria Heights Community Band and they continue the same schedule today. Jim enjoyed a very full and active life and was adored and respected by all who knew him. He taught, entertained, and touched the lives of thousands of people. He will be deeply missed; leaving a hole in all our hearts and lives. Jim knew that God was preparing a new home for him in heaven, and he was ready to go. The family would like to thank Dr. Geoffroy, his wonderful nurse, Jean, and all the people at Illinois Cancer Care for their love and support over the last 5 years. Our thanks to OSF Home Health, and OSF Hospice Care for the many weeks of loving care given to Jim. Our deepest gratitude to the ministers and church members of all three churches, and all the countless friends and family who visited and helped so very much these last few weeks. A very special thank-you to our dear friends, Bob and Judy Preston. We couldn’t have made it without you! A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Peoria Heights Congregational Church. Rev. Evan Williams, Rev. Kathy Frus, Rev. Jim Middleton, and Rev. Karl Kramer will participate in this service. Visitation will be from 2-5 pm Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, with additional visitation held one hour prior to services on Sunday at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.

James "Jim" William Park

January 16, 1941 - June 24, 2009