James 'Cork' Edward Lemons

James Edward ‘Cork’ Lemons, age 83 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Harry Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born August 21, 1942, in Pittsfield, IL to Howard L. ‘Jack’ and Mavis Marie Dark Lemons. James first married Patricia Evans and to this union, two sons were born. He then married Sara Ann ‘Sally’ (Jeffers) Turnbaugh May 29, 2004, in Las Vegas, NV and she survives.

Cork was a 1961 graduate of Pittsfield High School and attended John Wood Community College. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1964 and served his country in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. After the service, Cork returned home to work for GTE, and then the State of Illinois. He then did some communication contracting, worked for Pike County Sheriff’s office, and then in the Governor’s office for the Illinois State Police Executive Protection Unit. Cork liked traveling, going for drives, completing crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed target practice. He was a lifetime member of VFW and DAV, belonged to American Legion Post #152 and Moose Lodge #420, and was an honored member of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division and Order of the Silver Rose.

Cork is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Sally Lemons; sons, Robert ‘Rob’ Eugene Lemons and Seth Edward (Amy Beth) Lemons, both of Hillsboro, IL; stepchildren, Tressa (Jeff) Hoffman of Athens, IL, Alana Marx of Jefferson City, MO, and Jon (Kelly) Turnbaugh of Pittsfield, IL; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, Michael (Bridget) Lemons; and sisters, Elaine (Frank) Hoaglin and Beverly (Edward) Hailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mavis Lemons; and grandson, Josh Hoffman.

Graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pike County All Wars Museum. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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