James F. "Jim" Royster

James F. “Jim” Royster, age 79 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Saturday evening, July 7, 2018, at 7:25 PM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Jim was born November 3, 1938 in Buncombe, Illinois. He was the son of Charles and Juanita (Stout) Royster. On December 7, 1957, Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis June Bias in Kankakee, Illinois. He was a loving and devoted husband for over 61 years. In addition to his wife, Jim is also survived by: 3 children – Diane (Pat) Lewis of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles “Woody” Royster of Bogart, Georgia; Jim (Julie) Royster of Benton, Kentucky; 12 grandchildren – Ryan and Kendall Lewis, Eric, Jared and Lucas Cook, Aaryn Hill, Brandi, Nicole, Charles, Megan, James and Jacob Royster; several great grandchildren; a sister – Kathy (Eddie) Holt of Panama City, Florida; a son-in-law – David Moore of Buncombe; a sister-in-law – Shari Royster of Kankakee; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by: a daughter – Kathryn Moore, a grandson – Alexander Lewis; an infant grandson; a sister and brother-in-law – Marie & John Hancock; a brother – Lewis Royster; a daughter-in-law – Diana Royster; and his stepfather – Ernie Black. Jim was a 1956 graduate of Vienna High School. He was employed for many years as a truck driver for Kroehler Manufacturing, Inc. in Bradley, Illinois and also served in a variety of capacities for Armstrong Cork and Tile Manufacturing also in Bradley. Jim was a member of the Teamsters International Union. Jim was a devoted and faithful Christian. He and Phyllis worshipped at the First Baptist Church in Karnak, Illinois where Jim served as a deacon. Jim enjoyed reading and working in his yard. He loved Johnson County and always referred to it as “God’s Country.” A funeral service honoring the life of Jim Royster will be conducted Thursday morning, July 12, 2018, at 11 AM at First Baptist Church, 309 Main St. Karnak, Illinois. Pastor Dean West will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery east of Buncombe. Visitation will be conducted Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Also, there will be a time of visitation Thursday morning from 10 AM – 11 AM at the First Baptist Church in Karnak. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 309 Main St., Karnak, IL 62956.

James F. "Jim" Royster

November 3, 1938 - July 7, 2018