| The Decatur man known as the “bird whisperer” has died. James L. Soules, 85, died Friday and was buried Monday at Cerro Gordo Cemetery. He apparently had been sick for the last several months. Soules generated controversy in Springfield after he was hired by the city council to use his “secret” methods to rid the downtown of birds. People eventually started questioning his methods, including whether or not he used poison and guns to kill the birds. According to his obituary, Soules joined his father in the Soules Bird Repelent business in 1950 and continued to operate the business until his death. He also was a real estate developer in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a Mason, a Shriner, a member of the Land of Lincoln Studebakers Driver Club and of the Horseless Carriage Club. He also owned a 1933 Essex Terraplane. He is survived by his wife, Lois, three children and several grandchildren. |
| James Combs, 82, Petersburg died Sunday April 27, 20008. Visitation Thursday May 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg Funeral Friday May 2 at St Paul’s Evangelical Free Church in Petersburg. Burial in Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg Memorials to Shriners Hospitals for Children, St Paul’s Evangelical Free Church, or organization of donor’s choice. |
Samuel T. Murphy, 81, of Jacksonville, died Monday, April 28, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center. Mr. Murphy farmed in the Arnold community for many years and earlier had farmed north of Jacksonville. He owned a fertilizer business during his farming years and was a seed corn salesman, for which he received many awards. After 42 years in business, he retired to enjoy a life of leisure with family and friends. Mr. Murphy served in the Seabees in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks and Moose. An active Mason, Mr. Murphy was a member of Lodge 570, AF&AM, Consistory and Ansar Shrine. Mr. Murphy loved spending time with family and friends, traveling extensively around the world and playing golf. He enjoyed participating in parades with his classic car. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, at Williamson Funeral Home. A graveside service and military rites will be held at noon Thursday, May 1, 2008, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Friends may call after noon Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Williamson Funeral Home, where family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Shriner's Hospital for Children. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com. |