James Hughart

Dateline: Fieldon James (Jim) William Hughart died at Jerseyville Manor, Saturday, September 27, 2025, after battling Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. Jim was born on June 17, 1950. He was the beloved adopted son of Richard W. Hughart and Luva (Watts) Hughart. Besides his parents, he was dearly loved by a large extended family in the Wood River area. Jim volunteered for military service in the Army from 1969-1972. He served in Vietnam from 1971-1972. Where he worked as an Artillery Surveyor. During his time there, he was awarded a Bronze Star. Jim was very proud of his military service. Jim was a member of the Hardin American Legion where he served as Adjutant. He was always willing to volunteer help: making apple pies, working on Poppy Day, wrapping Christmas gifts for the Vets, being a member of the Colorguard for a Veteran's graveside service, or working in the Legion Fair Stand. In 1972, Jim married Pamella Souder and together they welcomed three children, Shawn (Yesenia Cabeza) Hughart of Edwardsville, Jeff (Ashley Paris) Hughart of Bethalto, and Tamara Hughart. After Pam passed having battled cancer, Jim attended a Grief Support Group where he met Mary Kay Kirn. Together, they felt a true connection and were married on October 7, 2006. From being an only child, he was welcomed into a family of many in-laws: Jean Huff, Marvin (Donna) Rezabek, Theresa Lavelle, Bruce (Donna) Rezabek, Francis (Nancy) Rezabek, and Richard (Alice) Rezabek. They all loved him dearly. Jim had a talent for being a good listener. Many people came to him for advice and a sympathetic ear. He loved being involved in his men's prayer group where they studied scripture and told each other how to treat their wives and others with love and respect. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Kay; his children, Shawn, Jeff, and Tamara; grandchildren, Caitlin Hughart, Sam Silveus, Steven Silveus, and Avery Paris; his brother-in-law, Brett Souder; and many nieces and nephew's. Visitation will be Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL. Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Norbert's Catholic Church in Hardin, IL. Burial will follow at Valhala Cemetery in Godfrey, IL. Memorials can be made to St. Vincent DePaul, St. Norbert's Church, or Calhoun Ambulance. Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com.