James R Shirack

Born September 8, 1937 in Alton to Meade John and Aileen B. (Dunn) Shirack, he married Patricia Ann Romano on October 10, 1959 in Alton.  She survives. 

Also surviving are four daughters, Suzan E. (Mark) Lawler of Pekin, L. Jean (Kelly) Beggs of Arlington, Texas, Deborah L. (Dan) Harlow of Knoxville, Tennessee, and M. Joan (Guy) Moseley of Sharon, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren; and two sisters, Joan England of Fulton, Missouri and Jeannette (Ron) Owens of Morton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert J. Shirack.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, he served for ten years and was discharged on January 17, 1966.  He attained the rank of sergeant. 

Jim worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 33 years, retiring October 1, 1999 as the equipment maintenance supervisor at the Edwards Training Center.

He was a member of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur.

Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, woodworking, and helping others.

His funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur.  Father Attilio Morelli will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:45 p.m.  Burial will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, with a flag folding ceremony provided by the United States Marine Corps.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or OSF Hospice, 2265 West Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL  61615.