James Martin Feezel (Jim), 95. Decatur, AL. Passed away at home Thursday Oct 15, 2020. Born Aug 15, 1925 in Wood River, IL to James Millison and Helen Eyestone Feezel. Older sisters were Cleta Roseberry and Louise Roessell and younger brother is Jerry Feezel. He served as a Tech Sergeant in the 12th Armored Division driving a Sherman tank in the US Army and fought in Europe from Fall of 1944 thru VE day 1945. Returning to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois. He married Alice L Horstman of Alton, IL in 1949 and together they raised Richard Feezel (Stephanie), Jeane Gardner, Lisbeth Smith (Keith), Paula Lacey (Phillip), and Deborah Opp (Lon). He worked for Standard Oil of Indiana and Amoco oil companies as a design engineer, and as an international advisor and senior operatons manager with Amoco Chemical, retiring from the Decatur, AL plant. Jim was an avid bowler in his younger years and taking up golf in his later years, especially after retiring, he continued to play into his 90’s. He was an active member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church since moving to Decatur in 1966, serving on numerous boards and committees. He became an active member of the 12th Armored Division Association, including serving as president for a year, and attended many reunions with his fellow veterans and their families. He is preceded in death by his older sisters, his wife of 66 years Alice, and infant son James Edward. He is survived by his brother Jerry (Jenelle), his children, two nieces, two nephews, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation is 11am to 1pm on Monday, October 19th at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, service at 1pm at the church, graveside service, with military honors, at Burningtree Memorial Gardens cemetery to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to “Honored Legacies For Veterans” and/or “Hospice of the Valley”
