Freeman Spur- Jim Ross Garavaglia, age 90, of Freeman Spur, passed away peacefully at 12:25pm, Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin, with his family at his side.
Jim was born in Herrin Hospital on June 8, 1929, the son of Charles and Janie Lou (Dunning) Garavaglia. He married Lois Mae “Missy” Gentry on May 17, 1952 in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on May 29, 2017.
Jim and Lois were of a Christian faith. Jim retired from Maytag in Herrin after forty one years. His love for flea markets and yard sales, especially the Energy First Baptist Church flea market on the first Saturday of every month, went beyond treasure seeking. He loved them for the conversations with all his friends while he was out shopping. Jim also had many friends at his beloved Kroger in Herrin where he went numerous times a day to get a bargain. He loved his old building in Freeman where he and his buddies would meet, swap, and trade goodies from their yard sales. He was a beloved father and grandfather.
Survivors include-
Son- Charles Garavaglia and wife Linda of Herrin; Son- Jim Garavaglia and Cindy Laur of Elkville; Daughter- Lou Ann Hamby and husband Gary of Freeman Spur; Son- Tracy Garavaglia and Jennifer Korando of Freeman Spur; Nine Grandchildren; Eleven Great Grandchildren; Five Great Great Grandchildren; Sister- Gloria Robison and husband Bob of Energy; Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife- Lois, parents, and one brother- Bill.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service, Thursday, August 1, 2019, at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.