James Edward "Paw-Paw" Day, of Crete, IL, age 81, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on April 25, 2021 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. James was born on August 11, 1939 in Godfrey, Illinois, the son of Walter James and Helen Elizabeth (Hawkins) Day.

James was an active member of Bethlehem Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey, IL where he served on the Senior Usher board. James loved singing, bowling, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Harvey Gospel Singers for over 35 years (surviving members John Mack, Alfred Burse and Jonathan Day). He enjoyed working in the garden, crossword puzzles and friendly brain challenging activities with his beautiful wife of 63 years, Claudette. James and Claudette traveled coast to coast (by car, plane, bus and train); visiting most of our 50 states and many historical sites along the way. James was a strong mentor in the community; volunteering his time and encouraging many athletes and young adults.

Preceded in death by his parents, James is survived by his wife, Claudette (Eldridge) Day, children Jonathan (Anita) Day, Twyla (Terry) Sanks, Tolana (Charles) Blackful and Tamla (Brian) Gilbert; 15 grandchildren Nina (Steve)Buford, Jonathan (Emmanuelle) Day, Terry James Sanks, William Day, Taryn Sanks, Charles Blackful III, Marc Bates II, Nykia Day, Amber Day-Bates, Tori Sanks, Nya Day, Edward Blackful, Daniel Blackful, Kaela Bates and Cameron Bates; 6 great-grandchildren; William Day, Nathaniel Buford, Bailey Day, Sienna Buford, Wesley Bates, Jonathan Day III, Yahanno Day , and a baby on the way. Delores (Richard) Hutchinson, his beloved sister, sister-in-law Joann Thompson, brother-in-law Gordon Williams and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his longtime friend, Mitchell Davis, Jr.



Services are pending at this time.




The family of James Edward Day invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.