James Childers

James Arthur Childers (Jim) of Herrin, passed away Friday, December 10, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday December 14th at 11:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Herrin. Burial will follow at the Herrin City Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Herrin. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 21, 1930 to Willis B and Nellie B (Lawwill) Childers. He later moved to Herrin. Jim served in the US Army from 1948-1954. He was a Veteran of the Korean War. After serving in the military, Jim returned to Herrin and married Golda LaDonne Conner on June 13th, 1954. They were married 55 years. Jim worked for the City of Herrin and retired in 1992 at the age of 62. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Herrin where we was very active with the youth. Jim was also a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Methodist Men. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion and VFW of Herrin. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Duane, Bill, Charles, David, his sister Marilyn, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife LaDonne and his three children, Mike (Cheri) Childers of Marion, George (Jeanne) Childers of Bloomington, and Kimberly (Tom) Butler of Herrin. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Jeffrey and Kaleb Childers of Carbondale, Christopher and Alex Childers of Bloomington, Garrett, Conner, and Austin Butler of Herrin, Erica (Keenan) Hess of Harrisburg, Sydney Thomas of Marion, and one great grandchild Cole. He is also survived by one brother, Paul “Buddy” Childers, a sisters-in-law, Cornelia Childers of Bloomington, Mary F. Conner of Benton, Marjorie Conner of Pensacola Florida, and brother-in-law Gayle Conner of Benton. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a great spiritual relationship with the Lord and he was a good friend to many. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends.