James D. Alvey

James “Jay” Douglas Alvey, 82, of Glasford, Ill., passed away peacefully and quickly at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL, on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

Jay was born September 12, 1927 in Morganfield, KY to Louis Everett Alvey of rural Kentucky and Mary Fidelis Alvey of Union County Kentucky. Jay was one of eleven children, and became caretaker of his siblings at the age of 14, as the result of his mother’s death due to fire along with two siblings, Robert Paul and Gerald. Jay learned the value of hard work and the love and care for others from an early age.

Jay started his career as a science teacher at Princeton High School, in Princeton Kentucky in 1951. He then continued teaching science at Timber Township High School in Glasford, IL in 1953. In 1957, he became high school principal of Timber Township, and retired from Illini Bluffs High School in 1988.

Jay married Rose Eleanor Gollon (deceased) of Mapleton, daughter of John and Bernadine Gollon, in 1955. He has seven sons, Paul (and Andrea) of Raleigh N.C., Mark (and Cathy) of Glasford, IL, Matt of Glasford, IL, Steve (and Kristi) of Crystal Lake, IL, Philip of Glasford IL, Chris (and Judith) of Deer Park, IL, and Roger (and Stephanie) of Mapleton, IL. He also had 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Always valuing the importance of education, Jay graduated from high school from St. Vincent Academy in St. Vincent Kentucky. He matriculated to Western Kentucky University earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Science Education by putting himself through school surviving on 3 cent bologna sandwiches. He continued his education by attaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Western Illinois University. Upon retirement from school administration, he went back to school at Illinois Central College and became a registered nurse, specializing in mental health for four years at Saint Francis Hospital and Pekin Hospital. Jay’s desire to continue to help people after his education career was the catalyst for his pursuit of nursing.

Jay was an avid gardener, enjoyed participating in the church choir, playing the piano by ear, and watching his sons and granddaughters play sports. His ever positive attitude and incredible work ethic were just two of his endearing qualities. Jay and Rose devoted their lives to the betterment of Illini Bluffs Schools and the greater community. Jay spent much of his time writing to former students. His genuine concern for others was unparalleled.

Jay volunteered his time serving the Glasford Area Boosters, Optimist Club, Illini Bluffs Music Boosters, Rural Peoria County Council on Aging, and PARC.

Jay’s advice for others includes, “always keep an open mind”, “be a student of life forever”, and as recited daily on the high school morning announcements, “be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing, and you will always be in the right.”

Jay’s life was difficult as a youngster, and his family survived by eating “anything green” that his mother could find in the woods behind the house. The ultimate father and role model, his lessons have been imparted on all of his sons, grandchildren, and thousands of former students.

Besides his sons, Jay is survived by his brothers Joe and Tom, and his sister Martha. His beloved wife and devoted mother of his seven sons, Rose, preceded him in death in 1999.

Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Private burial of ashes will occur at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton, IL. Cremation will be accorded. All are welcome to celebrate the life of James D. Alvey and to mourn his passing. Memorials may be made to the Alvey/Strube Scholarship Fund through Illini Bluffs High School, or to Catholic Charities of Peoria.

Please visit James life story at www.woolseyfuneralhm.com