James Shortal

James E. Shortal, 82, died at 11:50 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2014 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville after a sudden onset of leukemia.He was born in Jerseyville on Aug. 15, 1931, one of four children born to the late Russell J. & Christina Grace (Reynolds) Shortal.Jim spent many of his younger years in Greenville, Il, before moving back toJerseyville and graduating from Jersey Community High School in 1950.He was a U.S. Navy veteran, and was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge #954,Westlake Country Club, Knights of Columbus all in Jerseyville.  His many interests included following the Cardinals, Rams and University of Illinois sports teams and was a master griller.  His greatest love, however, was his family, as he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed every minute he spent with them.  As one of his sons stated, "Jim never had a bad day".A businessman most of his adult life, Jim purchased a oil truck when he returned home from the Navy, and delivered fuel throughout Jersey County until 1966, when he joined the family business, Shortals Furniture.  He remained there for many years, assuming ownership, along with his brother Patrick in 1974.  Jim served theJerseyville community as the owner for many years, acquiring many friendships along the way until his retirement in 2001.He married the former Jeanne Shephard on Nov. 24, 1951 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and together they were blessed with 50 years together, and a family that consisted of six children and eventually many grandchildren, before she passed away on June 4, 2002.He then was blessed once again when he married Ruth (Bast) Feyerabend on Oct. 10, 2007 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and they have enjoyed nearly seven years together.Surviving are his wife, Ruth Shortal of Jerseyville; his six children & their spouses, Jamie & Roger Willis of Mattoon, Michael & Susan Shortal of Camarillo, Ca., John & Kelly Shortal of Godfrey, Mary (Shortal) Leszcynski of LaGrange, Il., Joe Shortal ofLas Vegas, Nevada, and Jane & Tom Tavolcacci of Godfrey; 12 Grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a brother & sister in law, Patrick & Jackie Shortal of Jerseyville; a sister & brother in law,  Sandra & John Carpenter of Godfrey; and many loving nieces and nephews.He is also survived by Ruth's children & their spouses, Rob & Barb Feyerabend of Quincy and Sherrie & Mike Hillman of Dow; along with Ruth's three grandchildren.In addition to his parents, and his wife, Jeanne, he was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Shortal.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Friday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Patrick Gibbons and William Hembrowconcelebrating.Burial will take place at a later date at the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville.In recognition of his man years of devoting his time as a basketball coach, memorials would be preferred to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools Athletic Association.Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of these arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home