James Willard Canup Sr.

January 22, 1947 - February 2, 2021

Age 74, a resident of Braidwood for over 40 years, passed away at his home on February 2, 2021. Born on January 22, 1947 in Cairo, IL to the late Willard and Violet Canup. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of employment there. Passionate about his community, he served as a Braidwood Park Commissioner and was on the Braidwood Zoning Board. He was a member of Phelan Acres Bible Church. James was in the Marines (1964-1968) and served in Vietnam. He was the Commander of the American Legion Post #39. He was instrumental in getting the V.A Clinic set up in Joliet, IL. He loved to carry on conversations, so much so that he would even talk to himself. He was a Star Trek enthusiast, even playing hooky with his kids just to see the movies; a fan of ‘50’s and ‘60’s music, insisting that he once went out on a date with Karen Carpenter; and a very proud American, almost disowning his son for even thinking of buying a foreign vehicle. But above all else, he was a father to everyone. His kindness and generosity knew no boundaries. While his body goes on to rest, his soul will live through every person that knew him. Surviving are his loving wife, Marilyn Canup; sons, James Canup, Jr., Thomas Canup and Kevin (fiancée Mindy) Canup; daughter, Kimberly (Brian) Elias; grandchildren, Adam and Brianne Elias; brother, Ron (Renee) Canup; and several nieces and cousins. Funeral services will be at the RW Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Private interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Visitation will be Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 4 – 8 pm. All attendees are required to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and due to the capacity requirements, please be brief with your condolences to allow other guests to pay their final respects. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his name may be directed to the Braidwood American Legion. For more information and to visit his online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook.