James Karr

Jim Karr

Age 82 of Symerton, passed away Thursday evening June 16, 2011 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee with his family at his side.

Born August 31, 1928 in Fonda, Iowa, Jim was a son of the late Robert and Effie Kelly-Karr. He grew up in Vandalia, Illinois and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Vandalia where he met and married Evelyn Meyer on January 5, 1951. Jim owned Karr Concrete Construction from 1973 until his retirement in 2006 and also established Karr's Korner Hall in Symerton, in which he operated from 1991 to 2002. Jim was a member of The Wilmington Masons AF & AM Lodge #208, The Joliet Commandery #4, The Order of Eastern Star Darkest Chapter #5 of Manteno, The Bloomington Consistory and The Manhattan American Legion. Jim had a dedicated work ethic and truly loved building. He can also be remembered for his love of dancing.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years: Evelyn; two sons: Michael (Debbie) Distefano and Greg (Cheryl) Karr; three daughters: Carol (Perfecto) Mendietta, Paulette (Frank) Gates and Trish Karr; six grandchildren: Tony (Heather) Distefano, Marc Distefano, Gina (Dustin) Conger, Alisia (Marty) Mikulenka, Frank (Corina) Gates and P.J. Mendietta; six great grandchildren; five sisters and two brothers-in-law; one brother and sister-in-law; his step mother of Joliet; three half brothers; two half sisters; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law from Vandalia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Video Tribute was held on Tuesday June 21, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington with Masonic Service conducted at 7:00PM.

A family interment and graveside service with full military honors was held in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 10:00AM.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jim's memory to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)