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Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, with an 8 p.m. Prayer Service
Interment: St. Stephen's Cemetery
James “Jim” W. Stanford, age 81, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.
Jim was born December 22, 1935, in Flora, the son of Wilson and Dorothy (Hamilton) Stanford. He married Joann Wieldt on October 1, 1954, at the St. Stephen’s Rectory in Flora, and have shared 62 years of marriage.
Jim owned and operated Stanford Body Shop for over 60 years and was a faithful member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and had served on the parish council. He served on the Flora Volunteer Fire Department for many years and took great pride in having restored and painted the department’s 1937 antique fire truck. His memberships included the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Sons of the American Legion, and had been a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus. Jim loved fishing and enjoyed fish fries with family, was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, and would meet every morning with Joe Martin and his coffee shop friends. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, and friend.
Jim is survived by his wife: Joann Stanford of Flora; children: Debra Zimmerman (husband Ted) of Flora, Christine Reed (husband Brian) of Omaha, Susan McKnight of Fairfield, and Michael Stanford (wife Leah) of Flora; 15 grandchildren: Jessica (Brad) Thompson, Danielle (Cole) Anderson, Whitney (Jeremy) Ruger, Tyla (Travis) Knapp, Jamie (Heather) Thomason, Jennifer (Lucas) Dobbs, Jodi (Randy) Knight, Maverick Reed, Eric McKnight, Justin McKnight, Patience McKnight, Brett (Becca) Stanford, Alyssa Stanford, Faith Stanford, and Issac Stanford; 12 great-grandchildren: Evan, Cambell, Ian, Eli, Wyatt James, Sophia, Cannon, Ethan, Halli, Garrett, Aiden, and Blake with 2 more expected soon; a sister: Norma Hargis (husband Frank) of Flora; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter: Diana Lynn.
A funeral service for Jim Stanford will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Flora. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with an 8 p.m. Prayer Service. Memorial contributions may be given to Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Words cannot express how sorry I am for all of you. God bless you in a mighty way.
To the family of Jimmy Stanford so sorry to read about Jimmy passing he was a great guy who would help anyone
So sorry for your loss, please know that hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. May all the special memories stay with you and bring you comfort through the days ahead.
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a good man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family. Rest in Peace, Jim. Your work in this world is done.
so sorry we will miss him so much
Joanne and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a very sweet and caring man. We always enjoyed visiting with the two of you at the F.V.F.D. Christmas get to-gathers. He will be so missed by many! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Family We are sorry to hear about your dad He was such a nice man & your are just like him.
JoAnn and Family: Our condolences to you for your loss. Jim was a good man and we always enjoyed being around him. He taught Bud so much about painting cars. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you as only He can do ❤️ RIP Jim
Joanne and Family, Our thoughts and prayers for your family. He was a wonderful man and good friend,he will be sadly missed .
So sorry for your loss! Praying for the family!
Joanne, Mike and families, So sorry for your loss, Jim was a good man who will be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Joanne and family, We are stunned to learn of Jim's passing. May God, as only He can, give you peace and strength during this time and the days ahead.
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May God be with all your family during this time!
Deepest sympathy♡ we love you Patience and Susan♡
JoAnne, Susan and family, we are very sorry for your loss of Jim, and we have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May God's loving arms comfort you during this difficult time. Love and prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Our prayers go out to the whole family. We especially think about Mike and family. May you know that our comfort and peace are with you all. He will me missed. So sorry for your loss. Dennis and Sue Hampsten and family
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joann and family: We are so very sorry for your family's loss. Jim was a good neighbor and will certainly be missed by all who knew him. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
For sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you, Joann, and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Joann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
So sorry for your loss. May God provide great comfort.
We are so sorry to hear the passing of Jim. You two made a beautiful couple. Hugs and prayers for all the family through this difficult and sorrowful time.
God definately has another angel!! Prayers for JoAnn, Debbie, Chris, Susan, Mike and each of their family members.
Stanford Family, Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with all of you
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs & prayers.
JoAnn and family, our sincere sympathies and prayers go out to you all. The neighborhood has lost a "true" gentleman and Jim will be missed by many. God bless.
So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for the family in this time of need.
Time nor distance can ever erase our memories long ago shared...
So sorry for your loss. I'm keeping your family in my prayers.
What a legacy he has left with such a wonderful family!! He was kind and gracious, truly a gentleman. He will be missed! Prayer of comfort to Joann and each member of the family!
Joanne & Family, our sincere condolence's for the loss of "Jim", he was truly a good neighbor, may God give you strength .
Joann and family, sorry for your loss, your all in our prayers and thoughts.
so sorry for your loss! jim was a great friend will be greatly misssed
Jim, one of the strongest Christian men I've had the pleasure to know and I'm sure, God has a special place for him. May his soul Rest In Peace and may you all find comfort and peace in the palm of God's hand. God bless you all.
Joann, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jim is in a better place, but we know you miss him greatly. Love, Christine (Whelan) Thompson
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
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