Eleanor James

Eleanor Meeks James, 100, of Sherman, IL, formerly of Glasgow, KY, went to be with our Lord on Friday, February 6, 2026, at her home at The Prairie Cross Ranch, 3795 Sherman Road, Sherman, Illinois.

She was born December 31, 1925, the daughter of the late Daniel Riley Meeks and Ethyl Lloyd Meeks in Bowling Green, KY. She married, the love of her life, Harold C. “HC” James on October 5, 1951. He preceded her in death on September 11, 2011, after 59 years of marriage.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, James D. and his wife Daisy Keown. She was also preceded in death by her four sisters: Jewell Meeks Cole, Nellie Meeks Childress, Rosetta Meeks Hatcher and Florence Meeks Tinsley.

She is survived by her children, Harold C. James, Jr. and his wife Jean of Cincinnati, OH; Elaine K. Nessler and her husband Fred of Sherman, IL; Betty James Grammer and her husband Gary of Bowling Green, KY and Billy W. Keown and his wife Linda of Barren County, KY. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was a graduate of Bowling Green High School. She valued being a part of the education system of the Glasgow City Schools administration. She retired from the Glasgow Board of Education where she was Secretary, serving four years at E. B. Terry Elementary School and sixteen years in the Glasgow City Schools Superintendent’s office.

She was a dedicated and active member of the First United Methodist Church of Glasgow, KY, where she served on the Board of Trustees, followed by Finance Committee Chairperson and Church Treasurer. She was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class since April of 1960 and enjoyed 50 years of perfect attendance.

Eleanor, also lovingly referred to as “Grannie”, moved to Sherman, IL seventeen years ago, where she resided with her daughter, Elaine and husband Fred Nessler at The Prairie Cross Ranch. She loved living at the ranch and was involved in daily activities, always finding ways to stay connected to the work and the people, for whom, she cared so dearly. She enjoyed her gardening, cooking and baking. She had great interest and love for her cows and chickens! She was proud to be a part owner of the 2015 National Champion Hereford Bull and the 2016 World Champion Hereford Bull, CHAC Mason 2214. These milestones brought her great joy and reflected her love and deep connection to the ranching life.

After her move to Sherman, IL, she became a faithful member of Calvary Church and enjoyed the fellowship and many friendships that she made there. She became an integral part of her C-2 Group, Cowboys for Christ, where she was known for fixing delicious meals and desserts for everyone. She participated in Calvary Auctions, selling her famous Pecan Pies, bringing as much as $100 per pie! She quickly formed warm friendships with many of our church ladies, enjoying time with them in Sunday School class, as well as helping with funeral dinners and other events.

Eleanor was a woman of strength, grit and quiet wisdom. Her life was a testament to Christian faith, hard work and love for family. She was happiest when doing for others and serving the Lord!

Generations have been shaped by her example, her stories and her unwavering support of family and friends. We were Blessed to have her for these 100 years. Today, she is alive in Heaven with our Lord and Savior – John 14:2-3, Luke 23:43.

Springfield, IL Services:

Visitation: 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Calvary Church – Hazel Dell.

Funeral Service: 6:00 pm, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Calvary Church – Hazel Dell with Pastor Mark Johnson officiating.

Glasgow, KY Services:

Visitation: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Service: 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at First United Methodist Church. 

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, KY.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church – Springfield, IL or to First United Methodist Church – Glasgow, KY.