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BORN
1934
DIED
2022
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James Colgan Obituary
September 4, 1934 - June 9, 2022
Smithton, Illinois - James William Colgan, 87, of Smithton, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Belleville Memorial Hospital. He was born September 4, 1934 in East St. Louis, IL to Paul M. and Alice Marie (Wolf) Colgan.
He married Peggy Jenkins on March 18, 1960 in East St. Louis, IL and together they shared 62 years of marriage. She survives and resides in Smithton, IL.
Also surviving are his two children, Eric (wife, Josie) Colgan of Smithton, IL and Candy (husband, Gregg) Alford of Albers, IL; and his two grandchildren, Paul and Grace.
James loved spending time in the great outdoors, especially being on the water fishing. In years past, he traveled to many different destinations to fish, including Canada, Alaska, and Yellowstone National Park.
He loved taking pictures and videos and had an eye for capturing the best moments.
James proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 7074 in Freeburg, IL. He was employed with Illinois Central Railroad for 38 years. While working for the railroad, he also was an art and photography teacher at Belleville East for 35 years, sharing his love of the camera with his students.
James will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street 225, Arlington, VA 22203.
A visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.
A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation, at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.
Interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at 2:00 P.M., where full military rites will be rendered.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Colgan
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
4 Entries
TIMOTHY LOTT
June 23, 2022
While I never knew Jim personally I feel I may know his spirit through his love of fishing and the outdoors. It's actually what led me to Jim's obituary and to what I'm writing now. You see I'm in possession of one of Jim's fly rods. I know that because he inscribed his name and address on the aluminum rod case. I don't recall from where I purchased it nor from whom but I've owned it for some time now. The rod is an Orvis Battenkill cane rod made in 1968 by Orvis rodmaker Wes Jordan. It's made for a heavy 9 wt fly line so I suspect Jim may have fished it in Canada for Atlantic Salmon. Turns out that rod will be returning with me to the Miramichi River, New Brunswick Canada this July on an Atlantic Salmon fishing trip. When I fish this rod I'll think about Jim, a fisherman I never knew in life, and hope in some way I connect with his spirit and love of nature. May Jim rest in eternal peace.
Rhonda Richards Graham
June 17, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr Colgan was an amazing man and teacher. So good with HS students. He taught me photography years ago. He always had such a way when talking to his students. Kind and understanding and his laugh/smile was contagious as he joked around with his students. Truly one of the greats.
Heather Dougan Ganschinietz
June 16, 2022
Yep lease accept my sympathies. He was a great teacher.
Maxine, Janet & Brenda
June 14, 2022
So sorry for your loss. God be with you, bless you and give you all comfort and peace. We love you.
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Memorial Events
for James Colgan
Jun
21
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Funeral services provided by:
Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
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