James E. 'Jim' Carnett, formerly of Equality

James E. "Jim" Carnett, 78, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 1, 1940, in Equality to James E. and Isophine (Woods) Carnett.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1965. He married Elfriede Wolf in Germany, on Jan. 18, 1963 and together they shared 56 years of marriage.

He joined the Illinois State Police on March 9, 1970, serving in Districts 2 and 13, and retired as a Master Sergeant on Dec. 31, 1998, with more than 28 years of service.

Jim enjoyed golfing, sunny Florida, and NASCAR. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister and brother-in-law, Thelma (Carnett) Prather and Earl "Doc" Prather.

He is survived by his wife Elfriede Carnett of The Villages, Florida; two daughters, Sylvia Carnett of The Villages, Florida, and Patricia (Walter) Franklin of Du Quoin; a sister, Ollie Ann (Philip) Brown of Raleigh; and grandchildren Katie Parks, Cody Wright and Garrett Franklin.

A private service will be held at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Friends may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.