James R. "Jim" Bernard

October 11, 1939 - July 15, 2020

James R. “Jim” Bernard, 80, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:37 A.M. Wednesday July 15, 2020 at his home. He was born October 11, 1939, in Rossville, IL, the son of Margaret Bernard Shields. He married Carolyn Allen on October 19, 1957, at the Rossville Church of Christ. She survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Monique (Randy) Lusk of Rossville, IL and Rebecca (Ed) Hickman of Jamesburg, IL; one son, Mark Bernard of Rossville, IL; one sister, Paula Abbott of Danville, IL; three brothers, Donald Shields of Rossville, IL, Michael Shields of Stuart, FL, and Randy (Joan) Shields of Hoopeston, IL; one sister-in-law, Janice Shields of Hoopeston, IL; 3 brothers-in- law, James Cooper, Wayne (Rita) Allen and Ted Kirts; ten grandchildren, Trisha (Allen) Willard, Amanda (Montrell) Hill, Justin Bernard, Natasha (Tyson) Sebens, Kari Bernard, Breanne (Phil) Kelsey, Jenna (Ryan) Atwood, James Hickman, Luke (Cheyenne) Hickman, and Tamar (Ryan) Walder; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Connie (Tom) Downing. He was preceded in death by his mother; two sisters, Sheila Cooper and Janet (John) Abbott; one brother, Steve Shields; one sister-in-law, Patricia Shields; and one great-granddaughter, Andi Mae Willard. James owned and operated Bernard Construction. He was a member of the Rossville Church of Christ. He loved spending time reading scriptures, riding 4-wheelers, and sitting in the sun. Jim especially loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday July 21, 2020 at Mann’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Rossville, IL with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Rossville Church of Christ 514 E. Attica St. Rossville, IL 60963.