Jimmie R. Booth

Jimmie R. Booth, 83, of Zion, IL died on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2015 at his home following a long illness. He was born September 30, 1932 in Itawamba County, MS and moved to Zion around 1950. He was employed by the Zion Cookie Factory and retired from District 6 Schools in Zion after more than 20 years of service. He served one term as Commissioner for the City of Zion and he served on the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners for multiple terms. He played and coached softball for many years and loved to play golf. He had a passion for bluegrass music, leading and singing in bands for many years, passing the love of that music down to his family. The family wishes to say a special thank you to his personal care giver Gina, the many men and women with Vitas Hospice, and Dr. Dennis McCreary and the staff at Aurora Clinic in Zion. God bless these special people. His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Shirley; daughter Karen (Charles) Ginn of Winthrop Harbor, IL; son Larry (Jeannie) of Zion, IL; three grandchildren Matthew (Erin) Ginn, Mandi (Peter) Ginn-Franz, and Brandon (Lori) Booth; five great-grandchildren William and Weston Ginn, and Jackson “JD”, Ashlynn, and Becca Booth; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Allie Booth; brothers Arvel, Alvie, Armon, Raymond, and John Booth; sisters Reba Henson, Ruby Koster, Eunice Hairston, and Sue Robinson; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Marvin and Helen Nelson. Visitation will be Sunday, November 15, 2015, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 16th, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Billy Williams, his nephew, and Rev. Doug Carlson officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion.