James E. Kunz, Jr., 89

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James Edward Kunz, Jr., 89, of Hillsboro, died on Monday, April 29, 2019, at 11:52 a.m. at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, May 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Randy Goodman officiating. Burial will follow in Bost Hill Cemetery in rural Hillsboro with military rites conducted by VFW Post #1306 and American Legion Post #425.

Mr. Kunz was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Springfield, to James Edward and Alice Louise (Noble) Kunz, Sr. He married Merilyn (Delahunt) Kunz on Oct. 8, 1961, in Hernando, MS, and she survives.

He was a lifelong farmer and a four-year employee at Eagle Picher in Hillsboro. He retired from Ameren/CIPS after 21 years as a heavy equipment operator.

During his adult life, Mr. Kunz resided in Springfield and Hillsboro. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean conflict, and longtime member of the American Legion Post #425.

He was a loving and dedicated family man, an avid artist, toy tractor collector and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He belonged to the Woodside Community Church and served as a board member for Bost Hill Cemetery.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Kunz is survived by his daughters, Dawn (husband Tom) Douglass of St. Charles, MO, and Julie (husband Gerald) Siebert of Fillmore; grandchildren, Chris Douglass, Amber (husband Brad) Claxton, Halle Douglass, Brock (wife Tara) Siltman and Sydney (husband Brooks) Boeschen; and great-grandchildren, Ryan Douglass, Roman Claxton, Delaney Noble Siltman, Quinn Monroe Boeschen and Jase and Maci Rawe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John "Jack", Carroll and Stanley Kunz; and a sister, Alice Louise Fath.

Memorials may be directed to Woodside Community Church or Central India Christian Mission, c/o Dr. Nilesh Goswami, Prairie Cardiovascular, 1320 Churchill Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.