James McCollum

ADVANCE, Mo. -- James Earl McCollum, 76, of Advance died Thursday, May 8, 2008, at his home.

He was born June 30, 1931, at Ina, Ill., son of Jesse and Martha Phillips McCollum. He and Virginia Cox were united in marriage March 30, 1951, in Alton, Ill. She preceded him in death Dec. 19, 2000.

James was a millwright.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict.

Survivors include four sons, Mark (Lori) McCollum of Moro, Ill., James McCollum Jr., Gary McCollum and Ward McCollum, all of St. Ann, Mo.; two daughters, Diana (Mike) Bryant of Bethalto, Ill., Brenda (Dennis) Rodgers of Gillespie, Ill.; a very special companion, Tina Smith of Advance; two special friends, Michelle Cookson of Puxico, Mo., Carol Ann Smith of Advance; five brothers, Don McCollum of Godfrey, Ill., Robert McCollum of Arizona, Jerry McCollum of Colorado, Denzil McCollum of Florida, Mike Phillips of Cottage Hills, Ill.; two sisters, Jean Harris and Nancy Bryant of Bethalto; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Paul and William McCollum; and stepfather, William Phillips.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance from 10 a.m. to service time Monday.

The funeral will be at noon Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.