VAN HORNE:  James Ward.Mease, 87, died Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following an extended illness.
     A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne with Father Jack McClure as Celebrant.  Committal Services will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton with Graveside Military Rites conducted by Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post #148 of Van Horne.  Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 4 to 7 PM on Friday where a Vigil Service will begin at 7 PM. A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Mercy and Virginia Gay Hospital.
     Jim was born February 3, 1920 in Big Grove Township of Benton County to John Burl and Helen (Ward) Mease.  From 1940 to 1946 he served his nation in the 81st Field Artillery of the US Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.  Jim was a member of the 40 & 8 and Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post #148 of Van Horne.
     On July 3, 1946 he married Betty J. Campagna at Chicago.  Jim was employed at John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo for twenty-seven years prior to his retirement.  He was a member of the Keystone Turners, the Van Horne Lions Cub and Tara Hills Country Club where he loved to golf.  Jim also enjoyed bowling and fishing and casino gambling.
      He is survived by his wife, Betty of Van Horne; his children, David (Joleen) Mease of North Carolina, Dianna (Redbone Phillip) Wilkinson of Brandon, and James A. (Sue) Mease of Waterloo; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and his brother, Allen Mease of Alabama.
      He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marion Hoeft, his brother, John; grandson, John Mease; great-granddaughter, Haley Mease; and great-grandson, Joshua Hoover.