James R. Kolis

James R. Kolis, 74, of Springfield, died at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2003 at his residence. James was born February 25, 1929, the son of Stanley and Johanna Biallas Kolis. He married Beatrice L. Krueger on May 14, 1955 in Springfield. James attended Cathedral Boys High School and Layton Academy of Art in Milwaukee, WI. He owned and operated Commercial Art Studio in Springfield for 30 years before retiring. James was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 364 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of “The Group” cancer support group. James was an avid gardener, outdoorsman and wine maker. James was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters: Clara Heinemann Erdmann, Theresa DeGrande and Agnes Hamrick; and one granddaughter, Anna Marie Schweska. He is survived by his wife: Bea; five daughters: Kathy Kolis, Lynn (husband, Mark) Schweska, Pamela (husband, Steve) Kolis-Bowler, Mary (husband, Terry) Kolis-Helmkamp, and Regina (husband, Brad) Collins; one son: Ken (wife, Debbie) Kolis; three brothers: Stanley (wife, Pauline), Joe (wife, Helen) and Andrew (wife, June); two sisters: Anna Gillen, Margaret Morgan; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren;. and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 4-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2003. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2003 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church with Rev. Rodney Schwartz celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospital Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702 or St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of James R. Kolis is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.