James A. Rials, 63, of Peoria, passed away at 4:55 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, at his residence, surrounded by his loved ones.
A Celebration of James’ Life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at New Cornerstone Baptist Church in Peoria, with the Reverend Doctor Mark McConnell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded.
James was born February 25, 1954 in Chicago, a son of Theophus and Bernice (Brand) Rials. He married Ruby L. Stewart on April 12, 1975 in Chicago.
He is survived by his wife of Peoria; daughter, Kenisha N. (Ben) Luke, of Bloomington; siblings, Janice Rials of Lawrenceville, GA, Jerry (Genevieve) Rials of Richton Park and Eric Rials of Buford, GA; sisters-in-law, Mary (Willie) Esper, Brenda (Herschel) Blake, and Cathy Esper; brothers-in-law, Bennie (Betty) Stewart and Henry Singleton; grandchildren, Kendall and Miles Luke; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his parents.
James worked as a maintenance mechanic at NGR Powerton Generating Plant in Mapleton for over 20 years. He worked for Caterpillar for several years before illness forced his retirement.
He was a chartered member of New Cornerstone Baptist Church. James loved God first, but nothing else came before the love of his family. He was a car enthusiast, but his love for taking motorcycle trips with his brothers, is what brought James pure joy.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or New Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 W. Lake Ave. in Peoria.
