James "Jim" Armstrong

James "Jim" Armstrong, 83, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at St. John's Hospital. Jim was born on February 18, 1925 in Springfield, the son of James and Anna Armstead Armstrong. He married Betty Mae Gooden in 1947 and she preceded him in death in 1992. Jim came from a family on the Northend of Springfield and always stayed connected to his roots as he was a dedicated and loyal family man. Jim was a former member of St. Agnes and current member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chatham. He was employed for forty years as a printing pressman, mostly at Phillip Brothers Printing Company. The International Printing and Graphic Communications Union had also made Jim an honorary life member. Despite being deaf, Jim made a successful life for himself and provided well for his children and his wife, whom he loved dearly. Jim loved the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School football team. He enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and fishing in his younger years. Also preceding Jim in death are his parents and brothers, Robert T. and Jack Armstrong. He is survived by his sons, Patrick E. (wife, Sandra) and Michael J. (wife, Vickie) Armstrong, both of Springfield; five grandchildren, Mary (husband, Jim) Fields of Pleasant Plains, Hannah Armstrong and Sarah (husband, Shawn) Anglum, both of Springfield, Matthew (wife, Cathy) Armstrong of Allen, TX, and Nicholas Armstrong of DeKalb; and two great grandchildren, Megan and Patrick Fields. Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Grade School, 1344 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 or the Special Olympics of Illinois, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761.