James Dunlap

HINDSBORO – James L. Dunlap, 78, of Hindsboro, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family.

The funeral service honoring his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home, 720 Monroe, Charleston. Burial with military rites by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and its’ Auxiliary and Charleston American Legion Post #93 will follow in Van Voorhis Cemetery, rural Hindsboro. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

James was born August 31, 1948 in Crawford County, Illinois, son of Thomas and Marie (Spyker) Dunlap. He married Crystal “Chris” Hires, February 26, 1979 at Robinson; she survives. Also surviving are their children, Kim (Brad) Warner of Hindsboro, Alice (Chuck) Walsh of Hindsboro, Amy (Bill) Barker of Rardin, and Billy Dunlap of Charleston; grandchildren, Trisha (Josh) Warman of Charleston, Brandon (Kaila) Walsh of Hindsboro, Emily (Michael) Gobert of Oakland, Wyatt (Mary) Walsh of North Vernon, IN, Destany (Dustin) Olinger of Charleston, Bryce (Maddie) Walsh of Hindsboro, and Michael Garrard III of Hindsboro; great-grandchildren, Mia, Leighton, Nora, Maddix, Estelle, Levi, Brooks, Demi, Cece, Jaxon, Langston, and Bode; siblings, Jerry Dunlap of Texas, Larry Dunlap, Harold Dunlap, Gary Dunlap, Rickey Dunlap, and Roger (Donna) Dunlap, all of Robinson, Sally Morris of Pekin, and Sharon Dunlap of Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Michael Garrard, Jr., grandson, Dylan Barker, and brothers, Gene Dunlap, Junior Dunlap, and Harry Dunlap.

James was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a 50 year member of Local 159 of Decatur. James attended Northside Baptist Church and was a member of Charleston American Legion Post #93. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, and watching the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and the Fighting Illini. Chris was his whole world and the family they built together was his pride and joy.