James "Jim" Abell

James M. "Jim" Abell II, 76, of Zion, IL passed away peacefullyon June 17, 2026. Born June 12, 1950 in Galesburg, IL, he was the child of James and Gladys (Stern) Abell.

Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in the class of 1968. Jim enlisted in the Army and served at the Pentagon in Top Secret Intelligence. He married Sylvia Harrelson on October 18, 1975. He received an associate degree from Rock Valley College and worked as a forecast analyst for OMC. He then moved to South Beloit, IL, before moving to Zion, IL, and retired from Bombardier.

Jim was a man of many talents, including woodworking and welding. Most weekends were spent riding his two Harley Davidson’s. Jim most of all loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also had many hobbies including kayaking, canoeing, knife collecting, hiking, exploring cavesand was an avid fisherman. He was a member of the Mason Fraternity for 51 years. He was an honored 32nd Degree Mason. Jim also ran in the Bix 7 Race in Davenport, Iowa for 25 years.His favorite color was orange which was demonstrated in wardrobe and his motorcycles.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Abell; children, Kimberly (Jeff) Luberts, Bryan (Amanda Reasor) Abell, and Benjamin (Nikki Pfeiffer) Abell; pet Mia; grandchildren, Cole Abell, Benjamin Abell, Braelyn Pfeiffer, Brooke Pfeiffer and Braelyn Pfeiffer; sister-in-law, Patricia (Philip) Morrison;nephews, Timothy Knuston, Christopher Knuston, and Justin (Katie) Morrison; and niece Jessica (Michael) Carroll and many great nieces and nephews. .

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Ivey Harrelson; father-in-law, Eldred Harrelson; and sister, Virginia (Tim) Knuston.

Jim will be greatly missed. He was a devoted husband and grandfather. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project.