James Cloninger
Bethalto | Save
James “Jim” S. Cloninger, 80, passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Edwardsville.
He was born June 1, 1937 in Wood River, the son of John and Lula (Boes) Cloninger. He married Mary Lou Sexton on February 17, 1956 in Carrollton, IL. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2007.
Jim worked at Canteen Vending Co. in Alton for 24 years, where he serviced and filled vending machines at Olin and Winchester. He was the manager of the Bethalto American Legion baseball team and awarded manager of the year in District 22 in 1981. He sold fish every weekend during lent to help finance the Legion Baseball Program. He was the leader in bringing the Khoury League Baseball program to Bethalto and the building of Bethalto’s South Side Baseball Park. He was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Bethalto, Bethalto Masonic Lodge # 406, Alton Moose and Wood River Moose. He loved to live life and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He also worked the chain gang for CM Eagles football for many years. He enjoyed several sports but especially baseball. He coached for over 20 years starting in little leagues and going through senior legion. The Cardinal’s were his favorite team.
Jim is survived by four children, Teresa (Harvey) Kramer of Mitchell, Dennis (Janet) Cloninger of Bethalto, Pam (Loyd) Wehking of Bethalto and Bonnie (Andy) Coleman of Bethalto; eleven grandchildren, Gary, Deona, Amanda, Kevin, Chad, Travis, Chelsey, Briana, Alex, Ben and Noah; seven great-grandchildren, Wade, Meadow, Arabella, Tyler, Emalee, Hunter and Kinley; two brothers, Donald Cloninger and Edward Cloninger; five sisters, Frances Nichols, Joyce King, Marilyn Hayes, Marsha Meyer and Diane Abbott.
Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Charlotte Anders, Barb Erwin and Carolyn Wild; and a brother, Robert Cloninger.
Visitation will be Friday, June 1, 2018 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, where Masonic Service will be at 6:30 pm. Funeral service will be on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10 am at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles West officiating.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
