James K. Phelps Sr, 104, of Urbana, peacefully passed away on December 25, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Jim was born in Crittenden, Illinois on April 10, 1919,  the son of Charles Christopher & Virgie Mae (Riddle) Phelps.  He married Alice (Norman) Phelps on May 4, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. Jim is survived by his son- James K. Phelps Jr, of Fayetteville, NC, daughter- Sharon A. Slade (Richard) of Champaign, daughter-in-law-Vickie Phelps of Urbana; several Grandchildren including- Debra Care (Daniel), Timothy Spangelo, Brian England, Debra Cummins, Amy Phelps, Julie Kappes, Marty Slade (Venessa), Tonya Nunn (Marty), Lee Phelps; several Great Grandchildren including- Tyler Dalton, Joshua Dalton (Yeslie), Brody Nunn, Bailey Nunn, Jaydon and Cameron Phelps; and brother-Jerry Eugene Phelps of Thomasboro. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Alice; his daughter, Joyce Goen; his sons, Phillip W. Phelps and Gary E. Phelps; his siblings-Clarence, Floyd, Harold, Stella, Irene, and Wayne. Jim was a World War II Veteran. He was a light mortar crewman in the Army. He was awarded a bronze star. He worked as a welder for C.S Johnson for 36 years and retired in 1985. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, decorating his house for the holidays, particularly Christmas, watching Nascar races, playing and listening to country western music. There will be a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802.  Visitation will be an hour before the service. Hank Sanford will be officiating.  Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Garden, Champaign, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com