James "Jim" Sohn

JAMES A. SOHN

BETHALTO — James "Jim" A. Sohn, 80, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 25, 2017, with his family by his side.

He was born April 13, 1937, the son of William and Julia Sohn of Royalton, Illinois.

On February 2, 1964, he married Donna Lou Fishback and they spent 53 years together. She survives.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Army. He proudly started his career as an Illinois State Trooper, retiring after 30 years of service. He also served the community of Bethalto as the Chairman of the Police and fire commission for 10 years. Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge # 8349 in Wood River, the American Legion Post 794 in East Alton and the Eagles Lodge Foe # 254 in Alton.

In addition to his wife, survivors include four daughters, Becky and Dale Stewart of Brighton, Patty and Rick Guthrie, Kris Sohn, and Jamie and Mike Hilliard all of Bethalto; thirteen grandchildren, Nate, Nick, Andrea, Julia, Percy, Kayla, Jennifer, Brandy, Chase, Alec, Blake, Brooke and Breanna; eight great-grandchildren, Natalie, Connor, Eden, Ainsley, Caige, Emma, Dylan, Rowan; one sister, Henrietta, and Robert Bellina of O'Fallon, Illinois; and one sister-in- law, Ellen Sanders of Moro.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steve Bowman; one nephew, Jimmy Sanders; and a sister, Billie Cochran.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.

Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017, at the funeral home with Pastor Shea Hughes officiating.

Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be made to Backstoppers.

An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.