Obituary of Jim Stead

James Lyman Stead, 77 of Girard, IL passed away Sunday evening, November 5, 2023, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Jim was born December 20, 1945, in Springfield, IL, the only child to Lyman "Red" and Mary E. Tietsort Stead. He married Darlene Crain February 17, 1968, at the Girard Baptist Church. Jim grew up in Girard, IL and was a member of the 4-H Club growing up. Jim enjoyed being outdoors and helping on the family farm. Jim attended Auburn High school where he graduated in 1963. He attended Illinois State University for one year. Jim then attended Southern Illinois University for some time. He decided to enlist in the Navy Seabees. After 3 weeks in training, he was quickly promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class Construction Mechanic Automotive and sent to Vietnam in 1966. Jim returned home in 1967. Upon his arrival back home, Jim settled down in Girard. He worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline beginning in 1968. He spent 20 years working for the Waverly Storage Field Area. He then transferred to Glenarm Area Pipeline for another 20 years. He retired in 2008. Jim served 20 plus years serving the Girard Fire and Rescue Squad and a few years as a Girard City Alderman. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He and his wife would go to several races as a form of vacation. Go Dale Jr.! Jim spent his free time taking care of his garden, organizing anything that could be put into a spreadsheet, mowing his yard to pristine condition, spending time with his family, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow! Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Darlene and daughter Shelly Katcher in 2023. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the First Christian Church, Girard, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the church with Marty Nagel officiating. Burial will follow in Girard Cemetery where military rites will be given. Jim is survived by his son, Steven (Patricia) Stead of Virden, IL, granddaughters Sarah (Josh) Colvin and Samantha (Chase Fientje) Boehler, grandsons, Kyle (Kelsi) Katcher, Quentin Stead and Maddix Stead and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Girard Fire and Rescue. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard is in charge of arrangements.