James Larry Sr.

OLMSTED, Ill. -- James M. Larry Sr., 82, of Olmsted died Monday, June 21, 2004, at his home.

He was born Aug. 16, 1921, in Cairo, Ill., son of Jerry and Jennie Grace Larry. He and Gladys Rainwater were married Oct. 28, 1945.

James worked as an assistant director at Shawnee Development Council and later retired from Burkart as a dispatcher.

He was a member and trustee of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Pulaski, Ill., member of Louis Phares American Legion Post 178 of Villa Ridge, Ill.; Caledonia Lodge 47 AF&AM; served on the Mound City, Ill., National Cemetery Preservation Committee; SIDEZ Committee; and the Shawnee Empowerment Zone.

James was a master sergeant in the U.S. Army, and served in Europe during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys Larry of Olmsted; two sons, Jim (Brenda) Larry and Darrell (Fern) Larry, both of Olmsted; a daughter, Sharon (Randy) Neely of Olmsted; eight grandchildren, Shawn (Stacy) Larry, Cedric Larry, Allen (Tina) Jordan, Brad (Sharrol) Jordan, Gail (Joe) Dluky, Randel (Karen) Neely, Sheena Neely and Brian Neely; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles and Norman Larry.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Ullin, Ill. Masonic rites by Caledonia Lodge 47 AF&AM will be held at 7:30.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. R.L. Robinson and the Rev. Terry Kern officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors by Louis Phares American Legion Post 178.

Memorials may be made to Mound City National Cemetery Preservation Fund.