The Rev. James "Jim" Ferrell Obituary (1945 - 2020)

The Rev. James "Jim" Ferrell, 74, of Herrin, formerly of LeRoy, left this world to rest high on the mountain with the Lord on Friday (May 22, 2020) at home, after battling a long illness. His devotion to his family and steadfast belief in God supported him through his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Jim was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Bloomington, to Hattie Jewel Cook and James "June" Ferrell. Jim married Sue Pendley on Oct. 7, 1966, in LeRoy. Jim was blessed with three children and a large extended family. Jim spent his life being a generous and loving caregiver to his siblings, wife, children and those under his pastoral care. He was a proud grandfather of six, Kara Leftwich, Carbondale; Teah Reick, Ursa; Samuel Leftwich, Carbondale; Kendra Leftwich, Carbondale; Mitchil Knight-Wilson, Jackson, Tenn.; Kristen Leftwich, Carbondale; great-grandfather of two, Bentleih and Kaydence; and loved his four-legged companion, Dapple. Jim attended LeRoy High School and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He retired as a bi-vocational pastor from the First Baptist Church, LeRoy, in 2013, and from Poindexter's IGA in Heyworth as the meat department manager in 2011 where his loving heart and faith in his Savior could be seen daily in his actions. Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Jamie (Darryl) Leftwich, Carbondale; Jef Ferrell, Little Rock, Ark.; Jeri Ferrell, Carbondale; and 11 siblings, Robert (Kay) Ferrell, West Frankfort; Ann (Jim) Malcom, LeRoy; Danny (Leola) Ferrell, El Paso; John (Deb) Brown, Pontiac; Judy Jocelyn, LeRoy; Karen Wahls, LeRoy; Vicky Ferrell, Bloomington; James Ferrell, Bloomington; Julie Farrell, Shirley; Debbie (Bill) Lowery, Normal; Keith Farrell, Shirley; and one brother-in-law, Robert Hafley, LeRoy. The family of Pastor Jim Ferrell invites you to attend the Celebration of his Life service, hosted by LeRoy First Baptist Church, 306 West Vine St. Saturday August 8, 1 to 4 p.m. A time of visiting with family followed by a time to share memories around 2:15. Please do not wear black and honor those attending by following social distancing recommendations and wear a mask. Let's keep everyone safe.