James E. Lumos

1935 - 2022

James E. Lumos
James E. Lumos, beloved educator, retired Air Force veteran, and devoted ham radio operator, died of natural causes at Allure of Geneseo on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He was 86 years old. Born in 1935 to parents, Rosalie Kitchel Lumos and Emmett "Pete" Lumos, he grew up in St. Francois County located in the Lead Belt region of Missouri. He enjoyed playing with his dogs, fly fishing for small mouth bass and helping his dad at the generational family-owned hardware store. He graduated from Leadwood High School in 1954 and in 1956, he married Virginia Powell. His first Air Force station was Hickam Air Force Base, in the territory of Hawaii. In 1961, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University, with a BS Degree in Education focused on Physical Science and Mathematics. Five years later he obtained a Master's Degree in Education Administration from SIU Edwardsville. He worked decades in the Illinois Education system both as a teacher, coach, and principal, dedicated to the communities of Bath, Havana, and Virginia. In parallel, he continued to serve our nation via the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Capital Airport, capping a military career that began as an enlisted Airman and concluding having obtained the officer rank of Captain. He was the recipient of numerous decorations, ribbons, and medals, including SAEMR Small Arms Expert Marksmanship and the Long and Honorable Service. He volunteered in Cass County as a paramedic. After the death of his first wife, he married Beth Oberle in 1997 and she survives. Also surviving are daughters Rosemary Herzberger, Margaret Lumos, and Angie Oberle; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Lee, his first wife Virginia, his son Mark, and his great-granddaughter Koral. Per his wishes, no services will be conducted. An avid animal lover, donations are welcome in his memory to PAWS in Jacksonville or your local no-kill animal shelter.