Jim Pearl

ANNA, Ill. -- James Ryland "Jim" Pearl, 74, of Anna died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, at his home.

He was born March 6, 1928, in Mexico, Mo., son of Ryland Edward and Blanche Brownell Pearl. He and Collynn Kay Large were married Oct. 29, 1983, in Battle Creek, Mich.

Pearl has lived in Anna since age 11. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948, and then attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

He purchased the Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership in Vienna, Ill., in 1952. While in Vienna he was president of Chamber of Commerce and of the Kiwanis Club, helped organize and served as president of Vienna Saddle Club, and was instrumental in raising funds for a new softball field.

Pearl purchased the Swindell Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Pontiac dealership in Carbondale in 1968 and later added GMC and Isuzu.

He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce where he was sponsor of the Athena Award many years and participated in many economic development endeavors. He served on the original board for the United Way and sponsored the kick-off breakfast 15 years.

Pearl was a member of Elks Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Carbondale, and Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna.

He sold his dealership in 2001 and moved to his horse farm in Anna. He was an equestrian most of his life.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Pamela Cadigan of New Jersey, Patricia Jackson of Carbondale; a son, James Pearl of Texas; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and after 1 p.m. Monday at Mount Moriah Church.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the church, with Drs. Tom Gamble and Richard Hertenstein officiating. Burial will be in Anna City Cemetery.