Mr. James Edward Covey Sr.

James “Jim” Covey Aged 83 years Resident of Simpson, Illinois James “Jim” Covey Sr. passed away at 3:07 AM on Friday, February 3, 2012 at his home in Simpson, Illinois after an extended illness. Jim Sr. was born on September 19, 1928 in Johnston City, Tennessee to author William Algee and Minnie Mae Covey and had attained the age of 83 years. He married Lillian (Crickett) Koehler on June 10, 1961 in McHenry, Illinois. Together they shared over 50 years of marriage. He was a master carpenter by trade and a “mentor” and friend to many; spending much of his work experience building for Shawnee Enterprises of Marion, Illinois. He was a member of the Simpson Baptist Church where he shared the role of song leader and carried on the family legacy with his inspirational readings, poems and hymns. Mr. Covey served his country in the United States Air Force as well. Jim Sr. loved sharing his inspirational readings, many by memory, with family and friends and at churches across the country. He looked forward to weekend auctions, travelling with his family and attending annual family reunions. He was a family man and devoted his life to the Lord and his Church. In addition to his wife, Mr. Covey is survived by sister, Ola Mae and her husband Cortland Moore of Florida, two sons, Eddie and his wife Melinda Covey of Arkansas and Jim Jr. and his wife Leah Covey of Marion, Illinois, three daughters, Debbie and her husband Russell Kerley of Ozark, Illinois, Tammy and her husband William Newton of Ozark, Illinois, and Becky and her husband Shannon Morton of Tennessee, 19 beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law Trish Covey of Creal Springs, Illinois and grandson, Christopher and his wife Desiree Covey of Grantsburg. Jim Sr. leaves a large extended family of nieces, nephews and many special friends including Tom and Jocelyn Logan of Marion, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons, Randall Paul Covey and David Duane Covey, his brother William Covey and his sister Mary Sparks. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Simpson Baptist Church in Simpson with Pastor Roy Hughes officiating. Private family interment will follow at Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Simpson, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:30 PM on Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Covey’s memory to Marion Medical Mission, Well/Building Program, 1412 Shawnee Drive, Marion, Illinois 62959, contribution envelopes will be made available at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Jim’s team of doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri, his wonderful care givers and for all the prayers during his extended hospital stay. You are invited to share your memories of Jim Sr. and leave condolences at www.baileyfh.com.

Mr. James Edward Covey Sr.

September 19, 1928 - February 3, 2012