Lynn Wright James, 78, of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Carriage Crossing in Champaign, with her family by her side. She was born on March 14, 1947, in Dunkirk, NY, the daughter of Edward and Helen (Schiffman) Schnabel. She married Ron Wright, and they later divorced. She married Larry James in November of 1996, and he preceded her in death in January 2020.
Survivors that will smile when thinking of all the wonderful memories of Lynn’s amazing life include her children, Tracy (Cale) Doubet, Karen (Jeff) Brothers, and Matthew (Nicole) James; grandchildren, Katie Doubet, Jack Doubet, Jake (Naomi) Brothers, Jared (Layla) Brothers, Cassidy James, Lochlain James; great-grandchildren, Brantley, and Beckett; sister, Elaine Schnabel; and extended family and friends.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Helen Schnabel, and her great-grandchild, Baker.
Lynn was a proud graduate of Hazelwood High School in St. Louis, MO, Class of 1965. Valuing education, Lynn pursued her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Missouri, attaining her degree in 1969. Raccoon School was blessed to have Lynn share her encouraging, supportive teaching style with their grateful students for the entirety of her career from 1971 to 2003. Her compassionate heart and love for others compelled her to be extremely active in the community. Lynn volunteered as a Pink Lady for St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and the United Methodist Church’s clothing and food pantry. She donated regularly at the American Red Cross blood drives. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, where she was appreciative of her entire church family.
Lynn was the first to come to the rescue for family and friends in need and everyone looked forward to her home-cooked family dinners, that she loved hosting. Lynn had an adventurous spirit, traveling to all her favorite destinations, Hilton Head in South Carolina, taking the family on a trip to Disney and the Ozarks, and her 1980’s road trip in California. She also loved to travel with her mother and sister. She was a loyal friend, who liked to have a fun night out at the Fox with her good friends, grateful to be a season ticket holder. She also spent many beautiful days touring the grounds at the Missouri Botanical Garden. She looked forward to her water aerobic classes at the Recreation Center and she and her friends shared long conversations while walking together around her neighborhood. An avid reader, Lynn liked to expand her knowledge with nonfiction and enjoyed entertaining fiction books. She was a master at Trivial Pursuit and liked to join others for a good game of Bridge. Lynn was the heart of her home and matriarch of her family. She will always be remembered as a nurturing mother and proud grandmother.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Anthony Paulson officiating. Relatives and friends are encouraged to come and share wonderful stories of Lynn with her family from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be made in Lynn’s honor to Centralia Humane Society or Walk to End Alzheimer’s of South Central Illinois. Online condolences and memories of Lynn may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
