James E. Pearce, 81, of Oakland, IL passed away 5:16 PM Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at his home, Jim was born May 20, 1944 at Kankakee, IL, the son of Irwin and Ethel Savoie Pearce. On August 24, 1964 he married Delma Lynn "Dee" Lehnert at Kankakee, IL and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Sherrie Davis of Champaign, IL, Christopher Pearce of Oakland, IL and Garrett Pearce of Charleston, IL; grandchildren, Brandon, Nicole, Abigail, Calvin, Simon, Jordan, Jade and Gentry and two great grandchildren, Noah James and Rylo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Pearce Jr. and siblings, Dick Pearce, Nelda Holmes Larry Pearce and Linda Benoit.Prior to moving to the Oakland area he was employed as a driver for UPS and had served the Bourbonnais, IL community as fire chief for twenty five years. While retiring on his family's farm in the Oakland area following his retirement, he became well known throughout the area as the owner and operator of New Barn Gunsmithing. No services are planned. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.