James E. "Jim" Test

James Edward “Jim” Test, age 79 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014, at his home. Jim was born November 16, 1934 in Goreville, Illinois. He was the son of Benjamin “Bennie” and Lovie May (Pender) Test. Jim was formerly united in marriage to Betsy (Cherry) and later to Elaine (McKenzie). He is survived by: his 3 sons – Bobby Test of San Antonio, Texas, Bruce Test of Austin, Texas, and Todd Test of Vienna, Illinois; a stepdaughter – Sonya Carlton of Vienna, Illinois; a sister – Beverly Brown of Granite City, Illinois; 7 grandchildren – Brannon Test, Bradley Test, Stephanie Test, Elizabeth Ann Test, Michael Ryan Test, Morgan Elizabeth Racey-Test, and Haven Renee’ Test; a step great granddaughter – Paige Sterling Groner; a step sister – Judy Key of Jasper, Alabama; a niece and 4 nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents – Bennie Test and Lovie May Test-Lockaby; his stepfather – Harry Lockaby; a step granddaughter – Lauren Carlton; and a nephew – Josh Trotter. Jim was a 1952 graduate of Vienna High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958, attaining a rank of Staff Sergeant. During his military service, Jim was stationed in Iceland. Upon his discharge, Jim affiliated with the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 in Vienna and was a life-member of the American Legion Post # 0031 in Paducah, Kentucky. For many years, Jim, along with his wife Elaine, owned and operated Test Tavern in Vienna. He later operated an air conditioning, refrigeration and heating business, as well as working as a laborer for Boyd Brothers Construction Co. in Sesser. Jim last worked as a correctional officer at the Vienna Correctional Center prior to his retirement. Jim was of the Baptist faith. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 PM – 3 PM Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. A military flag presentation ceremony will be conducted at 3 PM by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Interment will be at a later date in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the American Red Cross, Little Egypt Network, 112 East Walnut, Herrin, IL 62948 or to the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222, PO Box 561, Vienna, IL 62995.

James E. "Jim" Test

November 16, 1934 - January 30, 2014