James Charles Piper

James (Jim) Charles Piper, 81, of Roodhouse passed away at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Feb. 10, 2024. Jim was born in Granite City, Oct. 1, 1942, the son of Darrell Wilbur Piper and Velma Marie Hartley Piper. Surviving are his step-children, Andrew (Alyssa) Wear of Yulee, FL; Brook Ruyle Reno of White Hall; Barb (Chuck) McNeely of Jacksonville; and Dani (Bryan) Glascock of Dow. Also surviving are his step-grandchildren Olivia Reno, Reid Wear, Blakeleigh Wear, Andrew (Laura) Bell, Kristen (Andrew) Capti, Geof (Kelly) Coffman, Kate Brannan, Kelsey (Joe) Roth, Sami (John) Crull and; great-grandchildren Greyson, Harper, and Quinn Bell; Bella, Nora, Elliott, and Brandt Roth; Nora and Ella Crull; Vivian, Emma, and Miles Capati. Also, Jim and Tracy’s special neighbor, Chris Osborne, who served them well in their time of need. In addition, surviving siblings: Ronald (Bill) William (Pat) Piper of Virginia; Larry Lee (Karen) Piper of Dahinda; Linda Lou (Gary) Gibbins of Leesburg, IN; Kathie (Steve) Little of Springfield; Mary Piper (sister-in-law) of Jacksonville. Jim had many nieces, nephews, and cousins and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceding him in death: beloved wife of 21 years, Tracy Lynn Piper; his parents; step-daughter, Chris Berry; an infant sister, Mary Francis; brother Darrell (J.P.) Eugene Piper; sister, Bonnie and brother-in-law, Vernon Story; niece, Brenda Piper; nephew, Larry Lee Piper, Jr.; and nephew, Jacob (Jake) Piper. Also, his kind and helpful neighbor, Josh Talley. Jim was a Navy Veteran having served in active duty for four years and in the reserves for three years. His life career was carpentry, having learned the skill from his father. Jim worked through Carpenters Local 270 of Jacksonville before he retired. He assisted with the construction of Passavant (Memorial) Hospital and Beecher High-Rise in Jacksonville and White Hall Elementary. He and his wife owned and operated Jim & Tracy’s Grooming in Roodhouse. They both loved dogs and cats, especially their Schnauzers. He was the sixth of seven children and will be greatly missed by his siblings. Always ready for a game of cards, Jim enjoyed playing with various groups all his life. Jim loved children, especially all the step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that he was blessed to have enter his life. They too, felt fortunate to share their lives with him and loved him dearly. Jim also shared his love by being a foster parent. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Daws Family Funeral Home in Roodhouse is in charge of arrangements.

James Charles Piper

October 1, 1942 - February 10, 2024