James J. Still, 87 of Ellenton, Florida, died June 21, 2008 at The Health Center of Plant City, Florida.

Still was born May 15, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Henry A. and Elsie (Mills) Still.

He served his country during World War II, serving with the United States Army. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal and a Purple Heart for injuries received in the line of duty. During his military service, he was involved in the Battle of Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. He was discharged from the military after his military service at the rank of Private First Class.

Still worked for over 20 years in the steel industry in the Northern Indiana area as a Roller. He moved from Chesterton to Bradenton in 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palmetto.

He was a loving husband for 62 years to his wife Mary “Liz” Still, who survives in Ellenton, Florida.

He is also survived by five children and their spouses; James K. (Lois) Still of Longmont, CO; Linda C. (Donny) Polley of Lakeland, FL.; Terry Sue (Larry) Rinker of Valparaiso, IN; Kathryn Beth (Michael) Still-Judge of Boise, ID and Cynthia Jean (Andrew) Stevens of Findlay, OH. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Tokarz of Colon, MI, and was grandfather to nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Bradley Stevens.

The family received friends on Friday, June 27, from 10-11 a.m. in the chapel of the Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, 1015 14th Street West, Bradenton, Florida.

A Celebration of Life service followed with the Reverend Joe Choate, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Palmetto, officiating.

Interment services took place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida where military honors were rendered by the Funeral Honor Detail from Fort Stewart Army Base in Fort Stewart Georgia.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in his memory. Condolences may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Posted 8/4/2008