James Lee Lanham

James Lee Lanham, 48 of St. Joseph, MO passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 30, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 22, 1960 in Danville, IL, son of Marilyn (Oswalt) McAllister and Randall Lanham. Jim loved to cook, even taking on a second job at Southgate Restaurant. He was an avid mushroom hunter and crappie fisherman and was looking forward to this spring season. Jim dearly loved his Harley. Never losing his sense of humor, Jim was smiling all the way to the end. Jim was a fun loving person, with many friends that he loved as family. He will be dearly missed by all who met him. The family would like to thank Heartland Community Hospitals doctors and nurses and Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and compassion. Survivors include his mother Marilyn (Harry) McAllister; Machesney Park, IL and his father Randall Lanham; Oakwood, IL. Daughter Jamie Lynn and son James Lee, Jr. ; Elwood, KS. Sisters Sharri Lynn Richardson; Gold Canyon, AZ, Lori (Dennis) Smoot; Cherry Valley, IL and Randy ""Skip"" Lanham; Roscoe, IL. Niece and Nephews Greg, Joey, Steven Richardson, Bailey Smoot and Kyle Lanham. Special friends Cousin Mike, Cousin Bill special pet tarantula Rose and numerous friends and family. Predeceased by his biological father William Tinder, maternal grandparents William and Anna Oswalt, paternal grandparents Randall and Louise Lanham. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in St. Joseph, MO. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Rd., Rockford, Il 61108. To