Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Jim Etchison

Apr 5th, 1948 - Apr 1st, 2016

  

   James Eldon Etchison, age 67, of Houston, Texas, an Illinois native of Flora and former resident of Troy, passed away as the Lord’s Prayer was softly spoken by those in his presence on Friday evening at the home of his daughter in St. Jacob.

   Jim was born April 5, 1948, in Effingham, the son of Lindsey D. and Margaret “Margo” (Regan) Etchison.

   Attending St. Stephen’s Catholic School during his youth, and then Flora High School where he went out for basketball, track and football, Jim excelled as quarterback during a memorable 10-0 season.  After attending the University of Illinois, he earned his MBA at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.  A career spanning over 20 years with Frigidaire culminated in a post as Vice President of Marketing and Director of National Accounts, and he later joined Conn’s Appliance as Head Buyer.  Jim will be remembered for following his adventurous spirit in traveling throughout the world, and developing new interests and passions such as cycling, the art behind brewing a perfect cup of coffee, coin collecting, and most recently, metal detecting.  He was an avid reader and a writer of poetry.  While following his enjoyment in watching college basketball, he shared a trip with his father in the late 1980’s to the NCAA Final 4, and this spearheaded 23 successive annual outings during March Madness.  A faith-inspired wish to give back to others led to volunteering his time, including through the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at the Ruma Convent.  Jim was a caring dad, and he discovered extraordinary joy when his grandsons became part of his life.

   He is survived by his children: Carrie Etchison of St. Jacob, Jennifer Lee Etchison of Houston, TX, and James L. Etchison of Glen Carbon; 2 grandsons: Jacob Etchison and Ryan Smith; siblings: Greg (Karen) Etchison of Montgomery, TX, Jeff (Linda) Etchison of Flora, Joe (Myrna) Etchison of Flora, Jack Etchison of Owensboro, KY, and Mona (Elizabeth) Etchison of La Grange Park; along with several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

   A funeral service for Jim Etchison will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday and 12:30-2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be given for the benefit of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC Retirement Fund) and will be accepted at the funeral home.  Please visit www.frankandbright.com to share a memory or condolence with the family.