Chris James “C.J.” Uhland, age 90, of Liberty, died on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on September 16, 1932, in Quincy, the son of Carl Vernon and Hazel Joye (Lefringhouse) Uhland. C.J. married Betty Jane Hess on October 2, 1955 at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Liberty.

He graduated from Liberty High School as class valedictorian in 1949 and attended Gem City Business College. C.J. was proud to have served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Ft. MacArthur, CA, where he and Betty resided for two years. He was a member of the former Liberty Church of the Brethren.

C.J. was a lifelong farmer, and for 23 years, also worked at Hollembeak Construction Co. He demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and was passionately interested in the news, the economy, and world events. As a conservationist he loved and respected the environment long before it became a trendy movement.

He had many friends, and enjoyed socializing regularly at the Liberty Ayerco. Ever curious and dedicated to learning, he was a voracious reader and WW II History buff, pleased to share his personal library with fellow readers.

C.J. was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors in troubleshooting and repairing all types of agriculture and construction equipment. He could determine how virtually any mechanical system operated and relished analyzing failures, then engineering solutions.
Instrumental in founding the Liberty School Cross Country program, C.J. and Betty provided a home course on one of their farms for the team. Fifty years later, the program and course, among the finest in the state, remain strong.

C.J. is survived by his wife Betty and their children: Gary (Carol) Uhland of Warsaw, IL, Gayla (Robert) Warner of Bowling Green, KY, Gregg (Kathy Castrigno) of Liberty, IL and Tucson, AZ.
Grandchildren: William Warner of Bowling Green, KY, and Chase (Bailey) Warner also of Bowling Green, KY.
Step-grandchildren: Dr. Kelly (Aaron) Cowan of Burlington, VT, Dr. Jason Weirather of Boston, MA; great-grandchildren: Claire Cowan and Iain Cowan.
His siblings: Joye Dell Uhland of Quincy, Kendall (Karen) Uhland of Pulaski, WI, and Tonie (James) Bowdish of Hamilton, IL; sister-in-law, Pam Uhland. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Dr. Fred Uhland and his wife Dr. Stephanie Uhland; Lowell Uhland, Dr. Earl “Dean” Uhland, and a sister-in-law Ruby Uhland.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 11:00 AM in Liberty Christian Church, Liberty, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Duker & Haugh and on Thursday morning from 10:30 until the time of services at the church.
Military honors will follow the funeral service. Memorials are suggested to Liberty Education Foundation for Liberty School Cross Country Program or to Liberty FFA Chapter located at: 505 N Park St, Liberty, IL 62347.
Messages may be shared with the family at www.dukerandhaugh.com