James Otis Catlin

James Otis Catlin, 90, of Sebree passed away Friday July 9, 2021 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.  He was born in Herald, Illinois on May 6, 1931 to the late Judd Donald and Vally (Nelson) Catlin.  James was a retired oilfield worker and member of Sebree General Baptist Church. As a Korean War Army Veteran, he received both a bronze star and purple heart.  James was the oldest member of the Austin Collins American Legion Post #243 joining in 1952.  He was also an avid fisherman and hard worker. He enjoyed giving away Dum-Dum suckers, going to the Dairy Bar for biscuits and gravy and was a regular with the local coffee group.    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1st wife Minnie Jane (Thomas) Catlin, brother Kenneth Wayne Catlin, 4 sisters Erma Walls, Hilda Snider, Vonda Downey, Juanita Hoy and Son-in-law Mark Henry Mahurin.  Survivors include his wife Nelda (Ellis) Smith Catlin; 3 children Patsy Mahurin of Dixon, Tommy Catlin (Carolyn), Timmy Catlin (Anita) all of Sebree; 1 stepson Monte Smith (Rita) of Bremen, KY; grandchildren Mandy Fambrough, Marcy Mahurin, Ryan Mahurin, Matthew Catlin, Daniel Catlin, James A. Catlin, Jayleigh Catlin, 17 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday July 15, 2021 at Tomblinson Funeral Home Sebree Chapel with Bro. David Bumpus and Bro. Keith Wilcox officiating.  Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Hopkins County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be Wednesday 4-8PM and Thursday 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be James A. Catlin, Matthew Catlin, Ryan Mahurin, Maddox Catlin, Daniel Catlin and Chris Fambrough. Honorary pallbearers will be Declin Catlin, Brody Catlin, Quintin Catlin, Lucas Mahurin and Monte Smith.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Sebree General Baptist Church or Amercian Legion Post 243.