James (Jim) Frank Chiaventone, 89, Herrin; passed away on January 28, 2021. Jim was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Bardaloni) Chiaventone of Orient, IL.
Jim married Delene Marlow of Herrin in 1952 at OLMC Catholic church in Herrin; they shared 38 years of marriage, before her passing at a young age in 1990. Jim never remarried.
After graduation from West Frankfort High School, Jim worked for Freeman Coal Company, before beginning a 25-year career at Norge Manufacturing in Herrin. Jim was the general foreman of Receiving and Warehousing. He completed his professional career as the warehouse superintendent at Classic Coal, and 20 years at the Kerr-McGee Galatia mine. Jim was tasked with the initiation of the mine’s warehouse processing at startup of the mine’s operations. Jim’s positions at all companies gave him the opportunity to allow dozens of local residents’ employment.
Jim was a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict. He enjoyed coaching baseball, hunting and fishing with his sons, and camping with family and friends. He was a member/officer of Herrin K of C, Eagles, and the Rome Club. Jim was ‘old school’ in the best of ways. He had the courage of a lion and the heart of a lamb. He was very generous with his time, resources and advice. He was respected, appreciated and loved by friends, co-workers and three generations of his and Delene’s family.
Survivors include his son, Pat and Carmen (Cook) Chiaventone of Herrin; son, Russell Chiaventone of Herrin; daughter-in-law, Jetta Chiaventone of New Orleans, LA; and niece, Debbie (Chiaventone) Agans of Marion. Jim is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many grand nieces, nephews and cousins.
Those proceeding Jim in death were his parents, his wife Delene, his beloved son, Michael Joseph Chiaventone, and only sibling, Al Chiaventone of West Frankfort.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the San Carlo Catholic cemetery, Herrin with Father Mark Reyling officiating.
Johnson-Hughes is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family asks for no donations or flowers.