M/Sgt James M. Carrell, Ret.

M/Sgt James M. "Jim" Carrell, Ret., age 77, of Pinckneyville, Ill., formerly of Marine, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 at 11:08 a.m. in his home.

Jim was born on April 13, 1935 in Casey, Ill., a son to LeRoy Vernon and Naomi Alys (Catey) Carrell. After graduating from Highland High School and attending Normal Teachers College, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 26 years and was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War. Jim traveled the world extensively and never married, saying the Air Force had never issued him a wife. Jim was an avid reader and had extensive knowledge about the military, military weapons, history, politics, religion, the universe and just about everything else. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his sister, Pam (Allen) Harriss of Pinckneyville, Ill.; brother, Richard (Dolly) Carrell of Greenville, Ill.; nephews, Clay and Craig Carrell of Greenville, Ill.; nieces, Stacey Harriss Gilley of Marissa, Ill. and Barbie (Nick) Harriss Horn of Parker, Colo.; great-nieces and nephews, Christian, Summer and Cruz Horn and Austin and Autumn Gilley of Marissa, Ill.; maternal aunt, Wilma (Norman) Reichert of Lake Forest, Ill.; friend, Brandon Gilley of Marissa, Ill.; caregiver, Alta Walters of Pinckneyville, Ill. and special friends, Josh Gregory of Pinckneyville, Ill. and Freddie Tucker of Fairview Heights, Ill.

Jim's wishes were to donate his body to the Complex for Forensic Anthropology Research at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. and no services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Perry County Humane Society for his love of his cats and VNA/Tip Hospice, Pinckneyville, Ill. for the wonderful care they gave him.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. is in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.