James M. "Jim" Guard

HARRISBURG -- James M. "Jim" Guard, 81, passed away at 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 12, 1935, in Harrisburg to Mearl and Millicent Wallace Guard. He was married to Shirley Crain Guard, and she survives.

Jim was a graduate of SIU Carbondale, a life member of Harrisburg Lodge 325 A.F. & A.M., honorary life member of Hadi Shrine Temple in Evansville, Indiana, 50-year member of Ainad Shrine Temple in East St. Louis and member of Valley of Southern Illinois Scottish Rites.

He also was a member of Harrisburg First United Methodist Church, 50-year member of Harrisburg Elks Lodge and member of Eldorado Mens Club and Harrisburg Second Team. He served on Harrisburg Fireman’s and Police Merit Board and was a 32-degree Mason.

Jim retired as vice president of Barter Construction Co.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; two sons, Mark and Jan Guard of Paducah and Jeff and Joyce Guard of Harrisburg; five grandchildren, Erin Ulrich of Paducah, Mitch Guard of Ozark, Adam of Harrisburg, Jason Brannock of Harrisburg and Erin Owens of Lebanon, Tennessee; and 12 great-grandchildren, Matthew Guard, Chloe Guard, Emma Guard, Logan Guard, Allie Brannock, Avrey Brannock, Adele Brannock, Joseph Ulrich, Dominic Ulrich, Vincent Ulrich, Colbie Owens and Rhett Owens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Guard.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Harrisburg First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Christine Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Harrisburg First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg is in charge of arrangements.