S. James "Jim" Pierce

CHARLESTON, IL – Jim Pierce, age 81 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at his home and in the comforting presence of his loving family.  Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening (Monday, April 2, 2012) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Funeral Chapel with Jason Walters and Matt Walters officiating.  Interment, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.   It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Charleston Booster Club.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

Jim was born on April 27, 1930 in Rankin, Illinois a son of the late Harry and Anna (Johnson) Pierce.  He married Norma Foster on October 13, 1952 in Harrisburg, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on October 12, 1975 and on July 16, 1977 he married Rosalie (Sampson) Jones.  She preceded him in death on August 5, 2000.   Jim is survived by his loving family: a daughter, Connie Walters and husband Monty of Ashmore, Illinois; a son, Tim Pierce and wife Penny of Charleston; three stepsons, Mike Jones and wife Laura, Brian Jones and wife Becky and Randy Jones and wife Michele, all of Charleston; twelve grandchildren, Jason Walters and wife Betsy, Matt Walters and wife Ali, Melinda Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Kelsey Nickell, Britni Jones, Tori Jones, Blair Jones, Emily Jones, Kayla Jones, Teigan Jones and Wade Jones; seven great-grandchildren, Rueger Walters, Rohen Walters, Mya Walters, Michaela Jones, Reece Good, Hayden Nelson and Riley Nelson; a sister, Phyllis Park of Bath, Michigan; and nieces and nephews and their families.  In addition to his parents and both wives, Jim was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. 

Jim was a United States Army Veteran who proudly and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War.  After being honorably discharged from the military following nearly twenty-three years of service, Jim accepted a job with Unibuilt in Charleston.  He later took a job with Frommel Hardware located on the south side of the Charleston Square and his last employment was with the Kirchner Building Center as a sales associate. 

Jim was a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623.  He was a devoted member and supporter of the Charleston Booster Club for many years and was actively involved in various aspects of service.  Jim enjoyed the mountains and the beautiful scenery they offered and was an avid fisherman – but he also loved being at home in his backyard where he enjoyed feeding the birds and tending to his lawn.  

Jim knew what was most important in life – his family and his friends.  He kept in touch with life-long friends as he attended the yearly class reunions held in Rankin and spent time with friends locally – maybe an afternoon fishing or just talking.  But it was his family that he was most devoted to and which provided for him the greatest joys in life.  He never tired of attending all of his children and grandchildren's sporting events (and there were many) offering words of encouragement and support.  The blending of two families was made easier and their relationships were enhanced by his unconditional love and devotion.  Fond memories of Jim are certain to be accompanied with a smile as he brought love, happiness and joy to the lives of those he touched.Click here to view Jim's memorial video tribute.