James Edgar “Jim” Minton, 80, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at home at 6:41 am on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
He was born December 31, 1943, in Cairo, Illinois to the late Julius Edgar and Zelma (Lipe) Minton. Jim married Sandra Kay “Sandy” (Lee) Minton on December 14, 1968, in DuQuoin, Illinois.
In addition to his beloved wife of 55 years, Jim is survived by his son, Jeremy Minton and wife, Kacey; daughter, Jenna Melvin and husband, Kyle; and grandchildren, Amiri Rose, Jameson Minton, and Kayla Melvin. He greatly loved and admired his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Doris McDaniel; brother-in-law, Tony McDaniel; and nephew, Jeff McDaniel.
Mr. Minton received draft papers on his 24th birthday, only two weeks after his marriage began. He was in the army infantry in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Redcatcher Unit. Jim served in Vietnam. He was awarded various medals, including two Purple Hearts, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge, an Expert (M-14) HGG, and a Marksman (M-16 Rifle)(M-60 Rifle). After his military service, Jim graduated from SIU with a degree in Business Education. He worked for 30 years at the Carbondale Post Office at various jobs including window clerk and timekeeper.
Mr. Minton loved animals, especially his cats and dogs, Dottie, Laurel, and Hardee. In retirement, he loved mowing and keeping his yard perfect. Jim was also an avid solver of crossword puzzles. Jim was deeply loved and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Mr. Britt Fullerton officiating. Inurnment will take place at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141 at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to the Perry County or Jefferson County Animal Shelter. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
