96, fortified with the sacraments of the Catholic Church, died Thursday May 12 at 8:20 p.m.
Jim was born on January 13, 1920, in St. Louis to Thomas and Mary (Woodley) Caragher. He married Florence J. Caragher (Erlon) on August 12, 1944, at St. Bernard’s in Peoria.
Surviving are his five daughters, Mary Jo (Tim) Dean of Plano, TX, Kay (Mike) Lawless of Peoria, IL, Dottie (Mark) McGrath of Mackinaw, IL, Teri (Marty) Huber of St. Louis, MO, Patty Caragher of St. Louis, MO; one son, Jim (Kathleen) Caragher of Milwaukee, WI; 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Jim was one of nine children and is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Jim) Fisher, and Dorothy (Paul) Burkard.
Jim set out on his own in his teens, moving to Peoria to join his brother. He met and courted Flo, and served his country in Alaska in World War II. After the war, he became a radio personality at WMBD in Peoria, performing as an Irish tenor during his own drive time radio hour, and appearing in many plays and musical reviews.
Jim became the Director of Public Relations at St. Francis Hospital, and later served there for many years as an Assistant Administrator. He always worked “second shift” in the car business, selling Ramblers, Edsels and co-founding Caragher Buick in Morton, IL. He entertained on every family occasion, and was the unquestionable “star” of our extended family. With Dad up front, it was always a “Great Day for the Irish”!
Jim was a founding member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Morton, and served as a Trustee for the parish. He was awarded the Bishop Spalding Medal for exemplary service to the church. Jim had a deep, fervent faith in God and loved the Church.
Jim was willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the benefit of his family.
Services: Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 16, at St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis, with a Mass of Christian burial following at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OSF St. Francis Medical Center Foundation or Blessed Sacrament Parish. A service of KUTIS AFFTON Chapel.