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James Bernhard Obituary
He was born June 6, 1935, in West Frankfort, to Stephen and Regina (Harr) Bernhard.
He married Judith Woods on Oct. 15, 1955.
He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in West Frankfort, a charter member of Knights of Columbus and a member of Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge in West Frankfort and UMWA 2250. He was also a former school board member, city councilman and Rend Lake Conservancy Board member. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Bernhard of West Frankfort; three daughters, Jayma and Gary Tucker of Murrayville, Jill and Ed Blades of West Frankfort and Joni and Mike Smith of West Frankfort; seven grandchildren, Tara Wilce, Allyson Tucker, Jimmy Blades, Morgan, Ty, Garrett and Drew Smith; three brothers, Steve, Ted and George Bernhard; three sisters, Mary Louise Stocker, Jean Walsh and Carolyn Knottleson; many nieces and nephews; and special dog, Sassy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; sisters, Susan Baumann and Betty Eadie; and grandson, Michael Dale Smith Jr.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, in St. John's Catholic Church in West Frankfort, with Father Trevor Murry officiating. There will be no visitation. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be in Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Catholic School or Southern Illinois Hospice.
Union Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.unionfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Bernhard
Desiree Aaron
August 27, 2008
Judy & Family,
I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a man of integrity and honor and it is a privilege to have known him. My father, Tom Aaron and Jim were good friends for many, many years. I have many happy memories of the two of them together. God Bless you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ruth aubell
August 14, 2008
Judy, Thinking of you at this time. Love, The Aubells
Dakotah @ Alizay Atwood
August 14, 2008
My sympathy to the Bernhard family
We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing.
he was such a kind hearted man,
are thoughts and prayers are with you all. love the copperthites/atwoods and god children we love you judy....you are in are prayers
August 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Mark and Teri Webster
Barbara Yates--Johnston
August 13, 2008
JUDY & Family so sorry for your loss.
Jim was a great guy I know him all though school.
You are in our prayers
Janice Tedder
August 12, 2008
Dear Aunt Judy, Jayma, Jill and Joni,
We were sad to hear of Uncle Jim's illness and passing. Sorry we could not be there. He was a wonderful uncle and I am blessed to have known him. May God bless you, strengthen and comfort you.
Mark McClintock
August 11, 2008
Jill, Judy, Jayma and Joni I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing I have so many fond memories of you and your family I wish youns all the very best and please accept my deepest sympathy say hello to everyone for me as I will not be able to Attend.
Elizabeth Bernhard
August 10, 2008
Judy and kids sorry we couldnt be there. My dad and mom, Steve and Margaret are just not well enough to travel. We will try to come and see you in September. I loved uncle Jim, he was the "good looking uncle" we are saying our prayers for you and join you in missing a wonderful person. love and prayers Steve Margaret Liz, Gina, and Steve
Paula Yadro Devlin
August 8, 2008
Judy, Jill, Jayma and Joni,
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary & Chris Myers
August 8, 2008
Judy, Jill and family,
Gary and I are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a good guy.
Kathy Wilson
August 8, 2008
Jill and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Wilson and family
Jeanine and Charles Linn
August 8, 2008
To the Bernhard Family,
My husband and I are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a dear friend and co-worker of mine at Old Ben #25. I enjoyed the day when he was on duty. He never forgot to bring me a cup of coffee instead of can of coke when we had a record breaking day. Our Sympathy to the Bernhard Family. May God Bless and be with the Family in your time of such Sorrow. I know many will miss him. I never heard a bad word about him or anyone that disliked him. In conversation, if I'ved ask, "Do you know Jim Bernhard?" The answer has been, "Yes, he's a Great Guy." Since my retirement I have called on Jim for information and help. He was always there for me. He was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him. I was the Mine Coordinator for about 13 years at Mine #25. Love You Judy. God Bless.
Kaye McClintock
August 8, 2008
Jill, Sorry we can not be there in person to pay our respects, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and strenthen you during this sad time and in the days to come. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Sincerely, Kaye & Lloyd McClintock
June Patterson
August 7, 2008
to the Bernhard family
I am so sorry for your loss.Jim was a good neighbor and always willing to give a helping hand.He will be missed.
Julie Tripp
August 7, 2008
Judy and Joni, I love you guys with all of my heart and I am sooo sorry for your loss....
Luv, Julie
William Hays MD
August 7, 2008
My sympathy for the loss of Jim
Frank & Lucille Browning
August 7, 2008
Our prayers are with you,Jim and I always ended up friends even after
disagreeing.We know first hand what losing a family member means.We remain as close as a phone call anytime
Frank and Lucille Browning
Rick & Isabelle Heyder
August 7, 2008
Judy & Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Russell
August 7, 2008
Judy: I sure am going to miss seeing Jim and Sassy next door. He was a good neighbor and friend. He was so generous with anything Brandon or I needed. This is a great loss in our neighborhood. My prayers are with you and your family.
Rick Bennett
August 7, 2008
Joni,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Your dad was always a great friend to our family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike.
Scott &Carol & monica &Travis kelley
August 7, 2008
My Sympathy to the Bernhard Family May god Bless you And Your Family In This Time Of SORROW.
Bob McCoy & Family
August 7, 2008
Jim was a good guy. I worked with him at Old Ben Coal. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. He will be greatly missed.
Eddie Ricketts
August 7, 2008
Judy-I'm sorry that Uncle Jim passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -Eddie & Linda.
Jim & Debbie Blythe
August 7, 2008
What a loss, so sorry. Also worked with Jim at Old Ben 25 where he was very well respected.
Brenda Wallis
August 7, 2008
With deepest sympathy for your loss. The Marion Elks #800 wishes you comfort. If we can be of any help, please let us know. Brenda Wallis, Chaplain
Joe and Linda Kinley
August 7, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Lynne Stanton
August 7, 2008
Judy and family: I know that Jim was not actually my uncle but he always felt like family to me. He was a special person and will be missed. My love and prayers are with you all at this time. It was a life well lived.
Terry&Gary Warren
August 7, 2008
Jill and Family
Sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and Terry Warren
Jim Bailey
August 7, 2008
My sympathy to the Bernhard family. I worked with Jim at Old Ben #25 and always looked forward to talking to him, he was a "fun" guy to be around. He will be missed.
Jim Donahue
August 7, 2008
What great neighbors! They were neighbors as "neighbor" was suppose to be. Visits back and forth. Sharing vegetables from the gardens. Visits that were full of talk and laughter. Friendship! A pool that made the Bernhard's a second home. Nicknames that stuck. When Jim was in such great pain, I was still known as "Bo Bo" but our conversation always went back to the great days of being neighbors on Fifth Street. Thanks Jim and Judy for all the wonderful experiences.
Gary and Cindy Lingle
August 7, 2008
You're family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Bernie and Terry Rhodes
August 7, 2008
Judy and Jill,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Runge
August 6, 2008
Joni,To your mom and family i am so sorry to hear about your dad I send my deepest sympathy. Joni we love you dearly Love Memaw Jane(Julie"s Mom)
Bob Hubbard
August 6, 2008
West Frankfort has lost a good friend and he will be missed. The 50's picnic back in June was a great time which Jim was able to attend and be with so many "class mates" who cared about him.
David & Cindy Pasquino
August 6, 2008
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Jim was such a kind hearted man, we will miss him. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Dail
August 6, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked with him for several years at Old Ben. He was a respected leader & friend at the mines. I had great respect for Jim & his passing is a great loss to the community. My deepest sympathy to the Bernhard family.
Martin & Janie Lee
August 6, 2008
Judy and family we offer our sincere sympathy. Seems like yesterday we enjoyed the Class of 55 picnic with Jim and Judy.Thinking of You all.
Martin and Janie Lee
Tara and Morgan
August 6, 2008
To our Mama - We know that this is a very difficult time but we will always be there for you. We love you very much. You and Papa mean the world to us.
Sam Pollack
August 6, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Bernhard family. I was always proud to call Jim Bernhard my friend. He will be greatly missed.
NAOMI JAMES
August 6, 2008
JUDY AND FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIM LOSS.MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOUS.GOD WILL LEAD YOU THROUGH THIS.
NAOMI JAMES
SHERRI MURPHY
August 6, 2008
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS- I DID NOT KNOW JIM PERSONALLY, BUT ENJOYED WATCHING HIM WITH HIS FAMILY- YOU COULD SEE WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO HIM...EACH OF YOU. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS-GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.
Jim & Jeanette Hall
August 6, 2008
What a loss he will be to West Frankfort. He was a great person and we will miss him so much.
Iva Dell Clay
August 6, 2008
Judy, Jayma, Jill and Joni, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Jim was a great man and a really nice guy. His deep voice and sense of humor always made me feel comfortable and encouraged.
Sandy Blades
August 6, 2008
Dear Judy and Family:
I am truly saddened by your loss. I know that Jim was loved by everyone and he will be missed by all. Although I didn't know Jim, I felt like I did through Ed and Jill, and I know there are many broken hearts in West Frankfort today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tammy Weston
August 6, 2008
Judy and Family:
My heart also breaks. St. John's parish and Youth Ministry, the community and the K of C have lost a wonderful, caring person. His family meant the world to him and he also made time to help others. Thanks to Jim, I now know how to fry fish! May he rest in peace with God. He may have left this earth, but his spirit and goodness will not be forgotten. We will keep your family in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Kevin, Tammy and Megan Weston and St. John's Youth Ministry
Linda Ice-Wathen
August 6, 2008
Dear Judy and family,
I will miss Jim's smile and giving spirit. He has been part of our family for as long as I can remember and will always be in our hearts. We will miss him and remember him as the friend he always was. So sorry for your loss-you and your family will be in our prayers.
June Patterson
August 5, 2008
Judy and family
I am so sorry for your loss.Jim was a wonderful neighbor.He was always ready to lend a helping hand.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
carla smith
August 5, 2008
sorry to hear about jim lost we willmiss him lot he was a great guy ever one loved him at the k jim familyin our prayers
The Lingle's
August 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
David Donahue
August 5, 2008
Judy and family:
What a sad day for the 5th Street family. Jim was a great neighbor to grow up next to. He cared for all the kids and never missed an opportunity to watch out for us. There are many memories of Jim to cherish, but one of my more memorable ones will be of when he chased me into the pool, jumping in clothes and all. I am laughing now as i remember. He was a good man and I will miss him.
Matthew Nicklin
August 5, 2008
Jim will be greatly missed, especially at the KofC hall.
Dennis Broy
August 5, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy and will be sadly missed. Dink Broy
Stephanie Natyshok (Smith)
August 5, 2008
Judy, Jayma, Jill and Joni and family...We had just heard about Jims illness last week. You are all in our hearts and prayers. I will always remember growing up with you all and "Honeybuns". We will be thinking of you all.
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