James Ray Hood's Obituary
ASHMORE, IL - James Ray Hood, age 65 of Ashmore, passed away at home on Friday, July 11, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Masonic Services will be conducted by members and guests of the Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M. at the close of visitation. Funeral Services honoring his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 with Pastor Maureen Clark officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in the Ashmore Cemetery. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 or to the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Jim was born on July 27, 1948 in Paris, Illinois, a son of James Russell and Jeannette (Nugent) Hood. He is survived by his daughter, Jodie Andrys and husband Tom of Downers Grove, Illinois; two grandchildren, Laney and T.J. Andrys; his mother, Jeannette Hood of Ashmore; a sister, Connie Davis and husband John of Charleston; two brothers, Scott Hood and Robin Hood, both of Ashmore; his loving, devoted companion, Beverly Fouliard of Ashmore and her children Morgan, Eric, Emily and their families along with several nieces and nephews. Jim was anxiously anticipating the birth of a third grandchild expected to arrive in August. In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents. Jim was a 1966 graduate of Charleston High School and attended Eastern Illinois University for two years before being drafted. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War and spent 14 months in Korea. Jim was extremely devoted and committed to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and took an active role as a five time Past Commander, was a 20 year District Quartermaster, a Past District Commander and held several state offices and served on national committees. He was also a member of the Kansas American Legion Post #539, the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, the Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M., the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite as well as the Ansar Shrine. Jim was also a member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church and served the Ashmore Community on the Villlage Board of Trustees and the Ashmore Volunteer Fire Department. Jim has been the owner and operator of Jim's Backhoe Service since 1978 and a past union member of the Operating Engineers #841. He was often described as a "work-a-holic" often working from sunup to sundown. Jim was an avid fan of Indy 500 racing and attended more than 40 races in his lifetime. He dearly cared for his family and was a loving father, son, brother and a doting grandfather. Jim's presence will be greatly missed by family, friends and community.
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