James M. Piper
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ James M. Piper, 64, of Elkville, passed away at 10:30 p.m., Monday, September 15, 2008 at his residence after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 6, 1944 in Du Quoin, the son of G. Myrton and Jessygrace (Prosser) Piper.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Donna F. Eaton on August 29, 1965, in Elkville's United Methodist Church and she survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter - Katherine Elson and her husband, David Elson of Bowling Green, Ky., two grandchildren - Lauren and Jessica Elson, three sisters - Sue Holliday of Newport News, Va., Sandra Porter and husband Mel of Illiopolis, and Carol McMahan and husband Bill of Baton Rouge, La., three sisters-in-law - Carole Bailey and husband Bob of Atlanta, Ga., Marsha Robinson and husband Paul of Cape Coral, Fla., and Tara Trickett and husband Rick of Tallahassee, Fla., his father-in-law - Morris Eaton of Elkville, and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, one brother-in-law - Morris Edward Eaton, and his mother-in-law - Genevieve Eaton.
He served four years as an officer in the regular Air Force and seventeen years in the Missouri Air National Guard attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring in 1991. Jim earned his Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and Specialist's degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. His educational career included eleven years as Math instructor, Assistant Basketball Coach, Head Track Coach in the Elverado High School; eleven years as Elverado High School Principal; and eleven years as Elverado Superintendent of Schools before retiring in 2004.
Jim served as a member of the Elkville Village Board for two terms and was Mayor of Elkville for an additional two terms. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Schoolmasters, serving as President in 2001. He served as a State Advisor for Beta Club of Illinois, and received an Award of Merit from the Educational Council. He was also a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) and the Du Quoin American Legion. He took an active part in the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life - Warren County, Ky., during the past six years.
Jim was a lifelong member of Elkville First United Methodist Church and considered Broadway United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, Ky., as his church, too.
Jim loved all his family, close friends Ray, Bess, Tim and Karen, his chemo nurse Jeanne, his oncologist Dr. Safdar and P.A. Phyllis, his surgeon Dr. George, the wonderful caring nurses and staff at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia, his caregivers Carolyn, Amy, Patti and his Ragdoll cats Tia and Blue.
He enjoyed traveling, repairing anything broken, supporting the WKU Football Team and the SIU Men's Basketball Team, and especially spending time with grandchildren Lauren and Jessica.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville with Bro. Gary Pruitt, Bro. Ron Kreid and Rev. Gary Billiot officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday at the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville and from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and Du Quoin American Legion.
Friends may make memorials to the Jim Piper Memorial Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a graduating student entering the military or educational field at the Elverado High School in Elkville, or to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life - Warren County held in Bowling Green, Ky., and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Jim will forever be remembered and missed by all who loved him.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.