Mr. James Wilborn, our beloved "Paw Paw", was born on August 31, 1937 in Marvel, Arkansas. He was the oldest of eight children from the union of the late Jimmie and Elizabeth (Tate) Wilborn. He received his education in the Marvel Public School System and accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age.

James worked as a farmer for several years in Marvel. In later years, he relocated to East St. Louis, Illinois. He worked very hard as a Production Laborer in the construction and manufacturing fields. Paw-Paw loved having good times with friends and family. He loved telling stories from growing up in Marvel, singing church songs, dancing, watching westerns, wrestling and reciting some of his funny sayings such as, "I don't smoke or drink no more", "Shake like jam and keep jelly at home" or talking about his third leg (his cane). James loved his baseball caps, sunglasses and loved his some Stacy Adams.

James was a member of Outreach Mission Church in East St. Louis, Illinois under the leadership of Pastor George Hayes. He absolutely loved his church, his church family and singing during church services.

James was preceded in death by his mother; father; wife/soulmate, Mary Wilborn; his son, James E. Wilborn; sister, Mabel Jones (Willie); four brothers, John (JN) Wilborn, Louis (LJ) Wilborn (Rosemary) and Jimmy Wilborn and a son-in-law, Jairus Lacey.

James was one tough cookie and held on until God's Angels came to carry him home. He departed this life on July 23, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.

James leaves his precious memories behind to: two daughters ~ Angela Wilborn (Jerry) of Belleville, Illinois and Patricia Lacey (Jairus) of Fairview Heights, Illinois; one son ~ Louis Wilborn of Belleville, Illinois; one sister ~ Clementene Wilborn of Marvel, Arkansas; one brother ~ Lee Wilborn (Laura) of Milwaukee, Wisonsin and Theresa Wilborn (Louis, LJ) of Little Rock, Arkansas; six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Paw Paw will be truly missed.