Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jim Hart

James E. Hart, 87, Wapella, died at 6:40 a.m. Monday (Oct. 27, 2008) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with the Rev. Leah Pogemiller officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, with military rites at the gravesite. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Dr, John Warner Hospital Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.

He was born April 13, 1921, in Morgan County, near Murrayville, son of William E. and Ivalou M. Gibson Hart Sr. He married Ruth Rimbey.

Surviving are his spouse, Ruth Hart, his wife of 66 years; two daughters, Norma (Jim) Sams and Brenda (Dale) Rueger, both of Clinton; daughter-in-law, Sherlyn Harrold, Victoria, Texas; eight grandchildren, Roger Sams, Janelle Thomas, Rhonda Matthews, Ron Rueger, Randy Rueger, Alisha Janek, Brandi Huber and Rachel Harrold; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, William E. Hart Jr., Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pauline Hart and Frances Brummett; and adopted son, Ned Harrold.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a graduate of Murrayville High School. He served with the Illinois State Police for 30 years, retiring in 1979. He was a member of Illinois Trooper Lodge 41.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, coffee with others, playing cards and being with his family.

Jim will be remembered throughout the Village as a lawman, great friend, neighbor, gardener, Cardinal Fan (Pre-1982) Cub fan (Post 1982), traveling companion and the #1 source for entertaining and enlightening conversation.