James Leo "Gene" Korando, 85
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James Leo "Gene" Korando, 85, of Jacob, passed away at 9:45 A.M. Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at his home in Jacob, IL.
James was born May 26, 1925 in Kaskaskia, Illinois the son of Charles Joseph Korando and Rosa (Shields) Korando. He married Pearl L Thies on August 7, 1948 in Ava, IL. Pearl preceded him in death on November 14, 2009.
James was retired from the Menard Correctional Center in Chester, where he worked on the farm, while along with his wife, maintained his own family farm. James was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church at Raddle, IL, the Call Maker Collector Association of America, Ducks Unlimited, Jackson County Farm Bureau, A.F.S.C.M.E., the former Republican precient committeman for Degognia Township and he was the self proclaimed mayor of Raddle. His passion in life, other than his family, was duck hunting. He spent countless hours "talking ducks". Just last year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources dedicated an area along Route 3 in "the bottoms" naming it the James "Gene" Korando Pond. He was famous for his duck soup and his recipe was published in the Ducks Unlimited Cook Book. He made countless duck calls, in which he donated to many different charities raising thousands of dollars. He was an avid collector of indian rocks. He and his wife of 61 years survived a house fire, an F4 tornado, which took their home, and many floods. James loved life and his family dearly. He never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with his many friends.
He is survived by seven children, Kathryn J. Wilson of Jacob, IL, Gary (Pam) Korando of Ava, IL, Marietta Shepard of Jacob, IL, Brian Korando of Jacob, IL, Dale (Diane) Korando of Jacob, IL, Patty (Mike) Barone of Jacob, IL, Teresa (Joey) Bastien of Murphysboro, IL; 18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one brother, Herbert (Ruby) Korando of Jacob, IL; and his beloved dog, Whitey.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister, four brothers and three infant brothers, one grandson, and one great granddaughter: Kayci Ann Bunselmeyer.
Funeral services were held Friday, October 1, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Raddle with Father Leo J. Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation was held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava on Thursday from 5 to 8 pm and on Friday at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava from 7:30 until 9:30 am. The preferred form of rememberance are memorial to St. Ann's Catholic Church, Raddle or Masses.
To sign the guest book online visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net