Donald James
Granite City | Save
Donald Lynn James, 81, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home at 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Born on March 7, 1944, in Granite City, Don was the son of the late John Joseph and Thelma Irene (Herschbach) James. On June 6, 1964, he married the love of his life, Betty Lee (Rains) James, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granite City. Their marriage was one of deep devotion and love until her passing on July 24, 2022.
Don retired in 2009 from Ameren as a mechanic, following 15 years of combined service with Ameren and Illinois Power. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, collecting coins, playing cards, and watching baseball. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing and coaching softball, bowling, and never passed up a good meal. A proud and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don cherished time spent with his family and will be remembered for the many meaningful moments they shared together.
He is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and William Nation and Carolyn and James Andrews, all of Granite City; his grandchildren, Michael James Franko, Jared James and Claire Winn, Miranda Fitchett, James Andrews, Carrigan and Arsante Conners, Lukas Nation, Beau Nation, and Sean Nation; three treasured great-grandchildren, Rhys, Josephine, and Aria; a sister, Gloria Rains of Granite City; a sister-in-law, Juanita James of Glen Carbon; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Milton and Bob James, and a brother-in-law, John Rains.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with Father Steve Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorials may be made in Don’s memory to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
