James Roark

THEBES, Ill. -- James C. Roark, 80, of Thebes died Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at his home.

He was born Sept. 19, 1930, in Hammond, Ind., to King Watson and Mayme Rudolph Roark. He and Harriet L. Kowalczyk were married Aug. 11, 1951, in Hammond.

James was a graduate of Reidland High School.

He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953.

James worked for Lonestar in Oglesby, Ill., and Cape Girardeau. He then worked for BioKyowa and retired as plant manager in 1997. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and Lions Club in Cape Girardeau, and a past commander of American Legion Post 232 in Hammond. He had lived in Thebes since 1978.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet L. Roark of Thebes; two sons, Joseph Roark (Darlene) of Festus, Mo., David Roark (Gaileen) of Thebes; three daughters, Diane Schmidt (Robert) of Altenburg, Mo., Barbara Woshner (Lawrence) of Dallas, Marybeth Whren of Bloomington, Ill.; a brother, Robert Roark (Lou) of Indianapolis; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Daniel and Andrew Roark.

Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 5.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to TIP Hospice, 125 Leigh Drive, Suite D, Anna, IL 62906.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.