James Bolin Obituary

James Dean "Jim" Bolin, 61, of Casey, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2026 from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident. He was born September 23, 1964 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Everett Edward Bolin, Jr and Judy Kay (Whitling) Bolin. Jim was a member of the 1982 graduating class of Casey High School. After graduation, Jim worked as a carpenter. His second job was at his family's small sandblasting and paint shop that would later become Bolin Enterprises. On August 2, 1985, he married Diane Ruth Lacey at the First Baptist Church in Casey, IL.

Jim Bolin was a man whose life was guided by his faith in Jesus and expressed through a deep love for people. A lifelong member of the Casey community, Jim had a passion for drawing others to the place he called home. His vision inspired and transformed his community. Jim had leadership skills that came from a sincere desire to serve, encourage, and build others up. Those that worked with Jim knew that he valued effort and hard work. Though he was a leader at Bolin Enterprises and other places in his community, he stayed involved in the small tasks as well as the big ones. He chose to share the burden as well as the success. Whether through his work with Bolin Enterprises, his positions of leadership, or his quiet acts of generosity in the community, Jim led with humility and heart.

He was devoted to his church family at Moriah, served God and the people there faithfully, and helped take the love of Jesus beyond the walls of the church. Though he worked hard for what he had in life, he knew that it all was a blessing, and he was devoted to sharing those blessings with others.

Jim's vision was big, but his approach was simple: love God, love people, and show up when it mattered. He had a rare ability to see potential-in people, in ideas, and in his community-and he worked tirelessly to help that potential grow. The impact of his life is woven into the fabric of Casey, not through recognition, but through relationships, opportunities created, and lives quietly changed.

Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. His faith shaped the way he loved, led, and cared for those closest to him. His legacy lives on through them and through the countless people he touched along the way.

Jim's life stands as a reminder that true leadership is found in service, and that a heart led by faith can leave an impact far greater than any title or accomplishment.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane Bolin of Casey, IL; his children, Jessica (Troy) Prater of Lebanon, TN and Drew (Maurah) Bolin of Casey, IL; his grandchildren, Jameson, Merritt, and Winslet Bolin of Casey, IL; his mother, Judy Bolin of Casey, IL; his brother, Troy Bolin of Casey, IL; his father-in-law, Dennis Lacey of Casey, IL; his sister-in-law, Amy (Mark Schultz) Lacey of Fort Worth, TX; many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Everett Edward Bolin, Jr. of Casey, IL and his mother-in-law, Barbara Green Lacey of Casey, IL.

Funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Casey First Baptist Church with Pastor Eddie Hammond officiating. Burial will follow in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday prior to the service at Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama Ave., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jim Bolin Foundation (for the beautification of Casey, IL), PO Box 70, Casey, IL 62420 or Moriah Church, 107B W. Main St., Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message; light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.