Eric J. Pulley

Marion-Eric Jason Pulley, 55, passed away at 5:35 am on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

Eric was born on June 2, 1970, in Marion to Gary and Barbara (Dippie) Pulley. He was a 1988 graduate of Marion High School. He also graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1992 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1994.

He retired from John A. Logan College as the college’s Director of Institutional Research. He worked at JALC for 30 years. During his time there he contributed greatly to the success in gaining federal and state grants for the school. He had an expertise in finding supporting services for the college. This led to student enrollment growth for many years.

EP enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball games, collecting Cardinal memorabilia, supporting JALC athletics & going to Vols basketball games, driving his corvette, and decorating his house for Christmas. He also loved going to Menards, working in his yard, & garage at home. He deeply loved his adopted cat Bobo & listening to all genres of music. He had an art with words & writing poems and even missed his calling on being a sports announcer. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, thoughtfulness and for telling stories. He brought many smiles to the world.

Survivors include his mother, Barabara Pulley of Marion; a niece Erica (Jeremy) Gregge of Herrin and a special great nephew, Griffin Gregge. Survivors also include very close friends; Kevin Reichert, Greg Starrick, Todd Litton, & Eric McCurdy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Goddard Chapel that is located within Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, Illinois. This will take place from 12-1:30 with a private burial shortly after. The family has requested that those who are a Cardinal baseball fan, please wear your attire.

Eric had a love of John A. Logan College athletics and supporting his late brother’s scholarship fund. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations be made to the JALC Foundation for the Darren L. Pulley Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can also be made to John A. Logan Athletics Program. These donations can be accepted at the celebration of life by Binkley-Ross Funeral Home. For more information, please visit www.binkleyross.com.