James "Jimmy Ray" R. Bateman Sr.

Jimmy was born January 3, 1941 in Fairfield, MO to Henry F. and Mary Elizabeth (Shelton) Bateman.

He married Donna Barnhart on May 13, 1977; she preceded him in death on August 18, 2020.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Reba Bateman; siblings, Margaret Bateman and Gary Bateman; and brother-in-law, David Hamilton and sister-in-law Laurie Bateman

Jimmy is survived by his loving family, including his children, Rebecca Bateman of Dupo, IL, James “Scutler” Bateman Jr. (Mercedes) of New Baden, IL, and Tammie (Mike) Bateman of Belleville IL; grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Bateman of New Baden, IL, Jessie Simington of Dupo, IL, Jamie (Tillman) Salaam of Cahokia Heights, IL, Katlyn (John) Bateman of Freeburg, IL, Levi (Kasey) Hooker of Belleville, IL; nine great-grandchildren, Madison (Miles), Julia, Reign, Lindsey, Hayley, E’melio, Tillman Jr., Ahziyah and Aamiyah; and one great great-grandson, Bodhi; his siblings, Linda Hamilton of Belleville, IL, Frank (Laurie) Bateman of Marissa, IL, John (Debbie) Bateman of TN, and Marilyn (Jack) Callahan of Florida.

Jimmy proudly served his country in the Untied States Navy from 1960-1964. He spent his career with the Alton & Southern railroad, working for 34 devoted years.

He enjoyed reading, St. Louis Cardinal baseball, bowling, and fishing. His legacy will live on through his family, and his memory will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorial donations sent to the Shriners for Children.

A visitation for Jim will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Final interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.