James “Jim” Lane, 90, of Herrin, Illinois, formerly of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Deltona, Florida, passed away at his home on May 2, 2026, at 2:12 pm. He was born July 8, 1935, in Elkville, Illinois, to the late John and Dorothy (Young) Chapman. He married Marilyn (Brown) Lane on June 7, 1962, and she survives.
In addition to his beloved wife, Jim is survived by his children, Stephen Raymond Lane and partner, Jeffrey Hanlin of Saint Louis, Missouri and Beth Young and husband, Brent of Buckner, Illinois; grandchildren, Courtney Young of Buckner, Illinois, Callie Young of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Carley Young and Chelsea Young, both of Saint Louis, Missouri; sister, Barbara Taylor and husband, Bill of West Frankfort, Illinois; niece, Debbie Wright of Macedonia, Illinois; and many loving cousins that reside in Saint Louis, Missouri.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law; maternal grandparents, Grace and Harvey Young; uncles, Raymond, Cardell, Delbert, and Leonard; and aunts, Irene, Margaret, and Agnes.
Jim grew up in Royalton, Illinois, and his close friends knew him as “Chatty Chapman.” He was a resident of Mount Vernon for 43 years and spent the last 22 years residing in Herrin, Illinois and Deltona, Florida. He was an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Saratoga. He was a member of the Mount Vernon AMVETS, where he served as Past Commander, Mount Vernon Lodge #31 A.F. and A.M., Jefferson County Shrine Club, Marion, Illinois, Elks Lodge #800, and was a Union Steward for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Jim served as the Safety Educator for Operation Stop, a public safety program presented to schools. He enjoyed quail hunting, fishing, camping, water skiing, and spending time with his neighbors. Jim liked to garden and share his produce with his neighbors. Most of all, he loved his family, and cherished the time shared with his grandchildren, and loved taking them to Cracker Barrel. He will be dearly missed.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Kirk Cemetery in Ina, Illinois, with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141. Entombment will follow. Following entombment, please join the family at the Elks Lodge in Mount Vernon for a Celebration of Life, as we gather to remember, celebrate, and cherish the moments we shared with him. Memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
