James E. Marlen, 78, of Millstadt, IL, formerly of Dupo, IL, born April 7, 1944 in Belleville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the Freeburg Care Center.

James was a member of First Baptist Church in Dupo, IL, and was an extraordinary duck hunter, Illinois state champion duck caller, a member of both Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Assoc. and Delta Waterfowl, and loved collecting native american relics.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Grover Marlen & June Burks Marlen, and his grandparents, Babe & Pop Marlen, who were the best grandparents and instilled in him the notions of honesty and integrity.

Surviving are his wife, Joann Marlen, nee Rizzie, his two sons, Matthew (Tammie) Marlen of O'Fallon, IL and Nate Marlen of Freeburg, IL, a brother, Roger Marlen of Columbia, IL, a sister, Cindy (Wayne) Gasper of Scottsdale, AZ, along with 3 grandchildren. Jim was a dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many, including his hunting buddies and the very close friendships that he made while running River King Oil Company around Waterloo, IL.

Online condolences may be expressed at braunfh.com

Visitation will be on Saturday May 7, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Dupo, IL. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Roger Reid officiating, and burial will follow immediately afterward in Palmier Cemetery, Columbia, IL.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, IL.