James Wilhelm

BENTON, Mo. -- James E. "Jim" Wilhelm, 78, of Benton died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 5, 1931, in Benton to Adam Edward and Corina Hand Wilhelm. He and Mary Ann Tarr were married May 15, 1965, at Cape Girardeau.

Mr. Wilhelm was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was the owner and operator of TV repairs with Zenith Sales & Service in Benton for more than 30 years. He later worked for the city of Benton for 10 years. Mr. Wilhelm was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and then Benton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wilhelm was an avid bowler and loved fishing, woodworking and umpiring softball games. He was a former private airplane pilot.

Survivors include his spouse, Mary Ann Wilhelm of Benton; a son, David Wilhelm of Zalma, Mo.; a daughter, Cathy Allen of Middleburg, Fla.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Benton Chapel in Benton, with parish prayers at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery in Benton with full military rites by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton.

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