Obituary of James R. Cranston

James R. Cranston

Age 77, of Morris, IL and formerly Matteson, IL passed away suddenly, Friday, April 9, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, IL.  Mr. Cranston was born January 25, 1944, to the late Catherine (Quinlan) and Daniel Cranston in Chicago, IL, and was raised on the Southside of Chicago. He was a United States Army Veteran.

Beloved husband of 54 years to Helen (Stepanek) Cranston; loving father of James, Steven (Beth), Edward (Kelly), Abigail, Zachary, and David Cranston; dear grandfather of Stephanie (Krystal), Kaylee, Emily, Steven Jr, Daniella, Courteney, T.J., Michael, and Daniel; proud great-grandfather of Alexa; fond brother of Catherine (late Joseph) Lassiter, Bernice (James) Gidney, and the late Michael Cranston. Devoted uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Faithful lifelong friend to many.

Jim retired from Nabisco Foods after 42 years of service as a machinist and member of the Machinist and Aerospace Engineers Union Local 49. He also worked for Con-Rail as a switchman for 18 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer firefighter for Matteson Fire Department for many years.

Jim was the most incredibly loving person anyone had the honor to meet. He was the life of the party, always willing to share one of his many stories about his countless escapades. He loved with everything he had and would help out anyone in need, even if it meant he went without. Jim was adored by his wife and children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and all who met him. Although we are devastated by our loss, we know that his legacy of love and unceasing dedication will live on through all of us.

Visitation for Mr. Cranston will be held Wednesday, April 14, 2021, from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive) in Morris. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 600 E. Jackson St. in Morris where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Facemasks and social distancing will be observed at the funeral home and church.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be very much appreciated.

For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.