James Muffley

James Leonard Muffley, 72, died unexpectedly at 5:24 p.m., Sunday, May 6, 2018 in the emergency room at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.He was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Alton, Il., on August 9, 1945, and was the second of seven children born to William Leonard and Helen (Geisler) Muffley.James grew up in Jersey County, and graduated in 1963 from Jersey Community High School.  During his lifetime, he held various occupations beginning as a union meat cutter.   After a time, he entered the automobile mechanic field, where he would remain during his working career.  For several years he operated his own shop out of his home, and was the owner of Muffley Mobil for a time, and was part owner of K&E Machine Shop.   He then began working as a mechanic at Blackorby Automotive in Jerseyville,  until accepting a position with the State of Illinois in 1985.  He served with the Secretary of State office as a salvage inspector first in Caseyville, and later in Belleville, retiring in September 2007 after 22 years of service.Although he was a dedicated worker, Jim will be best remembered for his gentle soul.  When you hear the phrase "servants heart", Jim was the truest human form. Everything and anything he did, it was with others in mind, and with the thought of, "What Would Jesus Do".  He approached his daily life with a gentle smile and willingness and honest desire to assist wherever needed.  He was a devout member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and served in many capacities, most notably in the church choir, usher and as an Eucharistic Minister.He was loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, and his departure will leave a void that can not be replaced.  However, Jim is where he knew he was promised and reaping his much deserved reward for a life well lived.  This world would be a much better place if we could all strive to be a James Muffley.He married the former Dana Catt on August 7, 1965 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and their 52 year marriage was blessed with many happy years and the joys of their four children.Surviving are his wife, Dana Muffley of Jerseyville; three daughters and sons in-law, Christine and Rodney Akers of Fieldon, Rita Muffley of Granite City, Kathleen and Derrick Richardson of Alton; a son, Matt Muffley of Alton; four grandchildren, Austin "A.J." Akers, Kirk Akers, Jermaine Fraction Jr., Miranda Muffley; two great grandchildren, Parker David Akers and Trinity Noel Akers; two sisters and a brother in law, Mary Underwood of Brighton and Margaret and Marlyn Alward of Piasa; three brothers and sister in-law, John and Julie Muffley of New London, Mn., Robert Muffley of Shipman, and Michael Muffley; a sister in law, Barbara Muffley of Banning, California;  and his brother in-laws and sister in-laws, Robert and Sandy Catt of Murphysboro and Elizabeth and Larry Markos of St. Louis, Mo.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, William Muffley; a brother in-law, James Underwood; and his father in-law and mother in-law, Hubert and Mary "Sammy" Catt.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.   A Prayer Service and Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Patrick Gibbons officiating.He will be laid to rest in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.Memorials may be given to Masses, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or to theSt. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools.Online condolences may be given at www.crawfordfunerals.com

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home