James H. Elder, 69, of Huntley; Member of Sun City Band, Music Ministries

James H. Elder, 69 of Huntley passed away on Thursday evening, Jan. 24, 2013, at Sherman Hospital in Elgin.

He was born Aug. 5, 1943, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Levia and Elsie Bernice (Graven) Elder.

He was raised and educated in Sullivan, graduating from Sullivan High School. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelor’s in 1965 and his Master’s in 1971.

Jim was united in marriage to Sharon L. Buffington on Aug. 22, 1964, at the Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church in Shannon, Illinois. He taught band, choir and was in administration in many school districts, retiring in 2002 from the Reed-Custer School District in Braidwood, Illinois.

Above all, he enjoyed the time he spent with his students both in the classroom, special events and coaching them in softball and basketball.

The couple moved to Huntley in 2002, and Jim was active in the Sun City Band, playing pinochle and euchre, tennis, golf and bocce ball. He was active in music ministries in a number of their churches, and he especially enjoyed time with his granddaughters.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon of Huntley; his daughters, Lea Elder of Buffalo Grove, Erica (Shaun) Slusser of Westminster, Col.; his granddaughters, Kayla and Monica; his brother, Lynn (Nancy) Elder of Sullivan; sisters, Margaret Alice Ray of Arthur, Elizabeth Ann (Doug) Elder of Sycamore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Jan Ray, and his nephew, Jason Ray.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, all at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main Street, Huntley.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Prairie Dell Cemetery in Shannon, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Elder Memorial Fund.

The DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home of Huntley handled the arrangements. For more information, please call 847-515-8772 and online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com.