James R. Gehlhausen, 85, Olney, Ill.

James R. Gehlhausen, 85, of Olney, Ill., formerly of Noble, Ill. and Celestine, Ind., passed away at 2:09 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Olney, Ill.

James was born on May 1, 1938, in Louisville, Ky., the son of Paul A. and Gertrude J. (Gadladge) Gehlhausen.

James enlisted into the United States Army on Oct. 3, 1957. He proudly and honorably served his country.

James married the love of his life, Shirley Cox, on Aug. 29, 1985 in Noble, Ill., and she survives.

James loved to golf and would spend any free time he could on the course; he belonged to the Flora, Illinois Golf Club.

He was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Jasper, Ind. When James was not able to golf, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He and Shirley would spend many evenings playing cards with friends. James watched several sports on TV and was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Celtics fan.

James is survived by his wife, Shirley Gehlhausen of Olney, Ill.; sons, Doug Gehlhausen of Jasper and Greg (Kerri) Gehlhausen of Evansville; daughters, Cheryl (Michael) Budd of Venice, Fla. and Sandy (Ryan Oser) Blessinger of French Lick; stepsons, Jeff (Rhonda) Cox of Clay City, Ill. aan Michael Cox of Noble, Ill.; stepdaughter, Melissa Gates of Olney, Ill.; grandchildren, Benjamin, Joshua, Elijah, Klint, Sydney, and Kristin; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Levi, Finn, Kennedy, Raylee, and Carson; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Neil (Carol) Gehlhausen of Celestine, Ind., Daniel (Patricia) Gehlhausen of Celestine, Ind. Vernon (Karen) Gehlhausen of Celestine, Ind., and Paul (Margaret) Gehlhausen of Celestine, Ind.; and sister, Sharon (Earnest) Brown of Ferdinand, Ind.

James is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bernard Gelhausen.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at noon at the First Christian Church of Noble, Ill. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Noble Prairie Cemetery in Noble, Ill., with full military rites at the graveside. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Ill.

The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.