James Robert "Jim" Malone, age 88, long time resident of Wheaton, IL, died on Wednesday, March 15, in Winfield, IL. He was born on January 21, 1929, in Cleveland, OH, to Emma (Cantieny) and Edward Malone of OH.

Mr. Malone graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Ohio University, where he was a Resident Assistant. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force 55th Air Rescue Squadron as a navigator. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. Before retiring, he was a salesman for Crown Zellerbach and Gaylord Chemical. Jim was a quiet man with a quick mind and a love of reading. One of his favorite weekly outings was to the library to check out more mystery novels. He always loved traveling and planning the route to each destination. He also enjoyed time with his family, especially seeing his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by four of his children, Terry Nelson, Brad (Heidi) Nelson, Joni (Joel) Kraakevik, and Jim (Ann) Nelson; two nieces, Susan Babbit and Lynn (Ira) Eichenfield; eleven grandchildren, Stefanie (Nate) DeMont, Brad (Amanda) Nelson, Jackie (Paul) Palgen, Alie (Justin) Butterfield, Lissy (Andrew) McGarvey, Lana (Luke) Birky, Calvin Kraakevik, Haleigh (Ben) Pepper, Austin Nelson, Brandon Nelson, and Connor Nelson; and his nine (soon to be 12) great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Jo-Ann Nelson Malone; and two of his children, Vicki (James) Nelson and Chris Malone.

Services will take place on Thursday, March 23rd at Christ Community Church on Geneva Road in Wheaton. IL. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. with a memorial service at 4 p.m. A dinner will follow immediately. Interment will be private at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Christ Community Church , 602 East Geneva Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.