James Robert Long, 73 of Springfield, formerly of Mt. Auburn, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 in his home. He was born on October 12, 1948 in Decatur, the son of Donald F. and Mary (McMillan) Long. He married Pamela Sue Dozier on June 24, 1978 in Mt. Zion. Jim graduated from the University of Illinois in 1971 with a Bachelor of Agriculture Mechanics degree. While at the U of I he took part in the Army ROTC program and upon graduation was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Jim spent time at Ft. Benning, Georgia before returning to Illinois and joining the Army Reserve at the 687th Supply and Service Battalion in Decatur where he served many years. He worked at several jobs throughout the years including Fiatallis, Baldwin Associates, and Industrial Chemical as the plant manager. Jim had a long and distinguished career with the Army Reserves, culminating with retiring from the 303rd Ordinance Group in Springfield as Colonel. During his time in the reserves, he was called upon to travel around the world to assist with training activities. He also worked in a civilian role as the Supervisory Staff Administrator for the 206th Regional Support Group at the Brigade Headquarters in Springfield. As passionate as Jim was about his service to our country, he was equally as passionate about his family and friends and enjoying life. He and Pam were the owners of Long's Tavern in Mt. Auburn for many years. Cooking was another love of Jim's, especially grilling. He was always eager to feed friends and family and loved to explore new grocery stores looking for the next great spice blend to try. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid fan of University of Illinois Football and Basketball. He will be forever remembered by his sense of humor both at work and at home and his love of family.
He is survived by his wife: Pam Long of Springfield; daughter: Laura Dellinger (Josh) of Seymour, Tennessee; granddaughter: Cheyenne Carey of Seymour, Tennessee; brothers-in-law: Mike (Liz) Dozier of Bastrop, Texas and John (Tammy) Dozier of Springfield; nieces and nephews: Maridon Patton, Ryan Patton (Meghan), Angela Borgman (Barry), Candace Dozier, Adam Dozier, Amy Dozier, Nicole Taylor, Stephanie Berry, Jack Berry, Kelly Pimentel, Karen Ferry, Eric Kluchko, Deanna Lambert, and Kevin Dozier and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Patricia Patton (Brad); uncle: John Shaw McMillan; nephew: Nicholas Dozier; infant nephew: Andrew Patton; brother-in-law: Lee Dozier; and sister-in-law: Judy (Tom) Kluchko.
A funeral service for Jim will take place at 11:00a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow at the Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Visitation will he held from 5:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Shriners Children's Hospital. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.