James E. Overstreet

James Edward Overstreet, 83, of Carrier Mills, IL, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:40 AM at Carrier Mills Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11 AM at Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL. Visitation will begin at 9 AM until the time of service, with Reverend Harl Cockrum officiating. Masonic Rites will be held at 10:45 AM. Interment will follow services at Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills, IL. Military rites will be provided by the Carrier Mills and Harrisburg American Legion Posts and the Army National Guard.

James Edward Overstreet was born on October 15, 1941, in his family home in Stonefort, Illinois to the late Cecil and Juanita (Johnson) Overstreet. He later moved to Carrier Mills, where he spent his childhood and attended Carrier Mills schools, graduating from high school in 1960.

In 1963, at the age of 22, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being stationed at Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served for 18 months and 9 days. He was honorably discharged at the age of 25, following a brief assignment at Fort Lewis in Washington State. Jim often reflected on his time in the service as a formative chapter of his life—one that helped shape his character and maturity. He proudly served alongside two of his brothers, and later considered his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on June 7, 2022, a once-in-a-lifetime experience he cherished deeply.

Upon returning home, Jim began a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. He worked in his early years at the cap factory in Harrisburg and Wayne Tanner’s Auto Shop before joining the Carbondale Post Office. Eventually, he returned to Carrier Mills, where he served as postmaster until his retirement in 1997, closing out more than 30 years of service with the USPS. He was known for his reliability, hard work, and quiet dedication to his community. He was also a member of the Carrier Mills American Legion Post 364 and a member of the  Blazing Star Masonic Lodge in Carrier Mills, IL. 

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He is survived by his three children: Chad (Jamie) Richey, Andrew (Ashley) Overstreet, and Beth (Mike) Kidd; Sister: Mary Pennell and former spouse: Darla (Ron) Risinger. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren: Emma Myers, Kennedy Overstreet, and Khloe, Kinley, and Keegan Kidd. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than time spent with his family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and 4 Brothers: Jackie Overstreet, George Overstreet, John Overstreet and Cecil "Butch" Overstreet.

In his later years, Jim found a warm and welcoming home at Brookstone, where he quickly became known for his infectious smile, friendly wave, and trademark humor. He participated in every activity with enthusiasm and made it his mission to bring laughter and joy to those around him.

James Edward Overstreet will be remembered as a proud veteran, a dedicated public servant, and a loving father and grandfather. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—with kindness, laughter, and an enduring sense of pride in both his service and his family.

Memorial donations may be made to Salem Cemetery.