On April 3, 2017, the body of James Staples was discovered in New Lenox, Illinois. James, who had spent much of his life in assisted care due to unspecified circumstances, passed away naturally. Despite the peaceful conclusion to his life, James remained an unclaimed individual following his death, leaving open questions about his family connections and personal history.
Efforts to trace his familial connections revealed that James’s parents, Lee Staples and Mary Vettle, are both most likely deceased, though official records confirming their current status are lacking. These circumstances have left a gap in resolving James's final arrangements and affirming his familial ties, as no next-of-kin could be positively identified or located.
The Will County Coroner's Office, situated at 16857 West Laraway Road in Joliet, Illinois, has overseen this case. Bearing the Agency Case Number 17-0158 and listed in the NamUs database with ID UCP3468, the Coroner's Office continues to seek information that might provide closure. The office can be contacted at 815-727-8455, and further details are available on their website, providing a central point for anyone who might have insight into James Staples's life or family.
Date Found: 04/03/2017
