James J. Pillar 83 of Urbana died at 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7 at Prescence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana, Rev. Fr. Joseph Hogan will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 64 Urbana. A reception will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Pillar was born on March 26, 1932 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of George and Beulah Cunningham Pillar. He married LuWilla S. Pigeon on May 5, 1956 in West Allis, WI, she survives.

Also surviving are seven children; Michele (Dennis) Redding of Appleton, WI, Christopher J. Pillar of Bellingham, WA, Anne Marie (Max) Pillar Calle of Cudahy, WI, Julia (Paul) Schaefer, Bellingham, WA, Monica (Maged) Dessouky of Los Angeles, CA, Daniel G. Pillar of Garner, N.C., and Stephen Pillar of Urbana, one sister; Patricia Pillar of Appleton, WI, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother.

Mr. Pillar was a U.S. Marine veteran.

He served as a Social Security specialist for 39 years.

Mr. Pillar was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana and a former member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the National Association of Federal Employees.

He enjoyed letter writing, gardening, history, sports, volunteering at the men's shelter and his coffee group at the mall.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoff.com.