James B. Lenz, 91, of Washington, IL died at 11:26 am Saturday, May 6, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Born on May 24, 1931 in Womack, MO to Samuel James and Cela E. Phillips, he married Doris L. Dunn on November 21, 1953 in Cape Girardeau, MO. She survives.

Also surviving are 3 children; B. Keith (Joey) Ben-Hanania Lenz of Austin, AR, G. Ward (Catherine) Lenz of Hanna City, IL, and Tracy (Mike) Ercegovich of East Peoria, IL, 6 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren, and numerous cousins.

A US Navy Veteran, James served from June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 where he was stationed in San Diego, CA on the U.S.S. Nereus, AS-17 Submarine Tender

James worked as a Yard Agent and Ticket Agent for the Rock Island Railroad in Peoria, IL from 1956 until it's bankruptcy in 1978. He then worked at Lake Wildwood housing association in Varna, IL as a maintenance manager for several years until returning to railroad employment at TP & W as a Yard Agent, where he retired in 1993. From 1966-1978, he and Doris also owned and operated the Orange Motel in Peoria (no longer exists), which used to be at the corner of Route 150 and Route 91.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #323 in Henry, IL. James also was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Toluca, IL. He loved to fish and hunt, enjoyed reading western novels, and caring for his fruit and vegetable garden.

Cremation Rites will be accorded, there will be no services. Inurnment will be at Swan Lake Memory Garden on a later date.

Memorials may be made to Shriner Hospitals for Children.