James E. "Jim" McCurdy's Obituary
James E. "Jim" McCurdy, age 90, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 4:50 p.m. in Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL. Jim was born on April 27, 1926 in Pinckneyville, IL, a son to Berton L. and Emma F. (Morgan) McCurdy. On August 11, 1950, he married Norma West in Beaucoup Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL and she survives. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country during WWII in the Pacific Theater where he earned a Bronze Star Medal. He was an active member of Lakeland Baptist Church, Carbondale, IL and was a coal miner for Consolidated Coal Company, retiring after 40 years. Jim was a member of the Pinckneyville High School Sports Hall of Fame, having won the Illinois State High Jump Championship in 1944 and until most recently, held the high jump record for Pinckneyville High School. He played Pinckneyville High School Basketball for Duster Thomas, was selected for the 1944 IHSA All State Basketball Team and played semi-pro basketball for the Global Cagers after returning from the War. He enjoyed restoring cars and was active in the Christian Activity Center, East St. Louis, IL and was also actively involved in Beaucoup Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL for many years. Jim was a proud grandpa and spent many happy hours with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Norma McCurdy of Pinckneyville, IL; son, Steve (Ellen) McCurdy of O'Fallon, IL; daughter, Jean (Phillip) Provart of DuQuoin, IL; three grandchildren, Angela Wildermuth of Pinckneyville, IL; Steve (Courtney) Provart of DuQuoin, IL and Sara (Jeff) Green of DuQuoin, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Logan and Madalyn Wildermuth, Brenna, Hallie, Savannah and Evan Provart and Levi and Beckham Green; one brother, Charles (Janet) McCurdy of DuQuoin, Il and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert McCurdy and Gene McCurdy and one brother in infancy. Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Chet Cantrell officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Christian Activity Center P.O. Box 2525 East St. Louis, IL 62201.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?