James A. “Jim” Bigham of Pinckneyville

James A. Bigham, age 76, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 in the Pinckneyville Community Hospital emergency room.

Jim was born on July 30, 1940 in Cutler, IL, a son to Walter L. and Dorothy (Willis) Bigham. He graduated from Trico High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

He captured the heart of his wife, Elizabeth Kay Thomas, with a simple wave from a fast car at Moe's Drive-In where she worked. He married her on Dec. 16, 1961 at the First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, and she survives.

In his lifetime, Jim worked at World Color Press, Consol #2 Burning Star and retired from the City of Pinckneyville Water Plant. He enjoyed pheasant and quail hunting and tinkering in the garage. He didn't even mind letting his daughter tag along or hang around. He was an avid Panther fan and boasted about the great chair seats he got for the Panthers' sectional basketball game. He had such a great sense of humor and loved to agitate, especially the granddaughters that he adored. He also loved TV watching with his dog, Dusty. Jim left us all with many lovely memories that will fill our hearts forever.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Kay Bigham of Pinckneyville, IL; daughter Susan Hepp of Pinckneyville, IL; two granddaughters, Jamie Maxey of Pinckneyville, IL and Ashley Maxey of Pinckneyville, IL; two brothers, Gerald Bigham of Pinckneyville, IL and Bobby Bigham of Sherman, IL; a sister-in-law, Nadine Craig of Pinckneyville, IL; a brother-in-law, Roger (Rosalie) Thomas of Pinckneyville, IL; and several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Don Craig.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, with military graveside rites by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, Pinckneyville.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017 and on Saturday at the funeral home from 8 to 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the P.C.H.S. Booster Club or Perry County Humane Society.

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