James Norman Dugger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James N. Dugger, age 89, of Herrin, IL, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, at 3:56 a.m. on Friday, December 25, 2020, in Herrin Hospital of Herrin. He was born on Saturday, January 31, 1931, at home in Herrin, the son of William Thomas and Pauline (McNeil) Dugger. Jim attended school in Herrin, and was a graduate of Herrin High School Class of 1950. He then continued his education at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL. When the Korean War began he ended his education at SIU and enlisted into the United States Navy in February of 1951, and faithfully served as a Hospital Corpsman until he was honorably discharged in February of 1955. He was privileged to be on one of the recent “Honor Flights” to Washington D.C. After returning home he resumed his education at SIU and received his Bachelors Degree in Business and Finance in June of 1957. On the same day of graduation from SIU he was united in marriage to Bettie Ann Brandon, on Wednesday, June 12, 1957, in Carbondale, and together they have shared over 63 years of marriage. Early in his lifetime he had many various jobs. Later he worked for Presley Tours as one of their travel agents. He always said this was his favorite job being able to arrange the tours and travel with the many different people. He retired from the tour company at age 50. He later became a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards Investment Company of Carbondale and worked there until he officially retired at age 55. He is a member of the Second Baptist Church of Marion, IL. He also is a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post No. 147 of Marion. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, taking several trips to Canada; camping, especially with his grandchildren, watching the news and sitting down and reading the paper. He also loved to travel with one of his favorite trips being to Israel to see the Holy Land. Another special trip for his 80th birthday was when he took his family to the Dominican Republic for seven days. After his retirement he enjoyed being challenged on repairing just about anything that was broken and he got real efficient at being a repairman. He was a man of detail and always shared that in his life his mindset was; “God” was first, “Country” second and “Family” was third. He loved his large family on both sides and always enjoyed the many times they all shared together. He was always interested in all of their many activities and was willing to give advice when asked. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Bettie A. Dugger of Herrin; daughter, Penny Dugger Burgrabe of Herrin; two sons and daughters in law, Pat and Bonnie Dugger and Mike and Marci Dugger all of Marion; twelve grandchildren, Erin Burgrabe Thompson and husband, Scott, Jenna Burgrabe Davison and husband, Cameron, Dax Burgrabe and wife, Terri, Karsen Burgrabe, Allyson Burgrabe Sylvestre and husband, Miguel, Jeremiah Dugger and wife, Heather, Adam Dugger, Caitlin Dugger Storey and husband, Matthew, Jordin Dugger Hobson and husband, Dan, Colten Dugger and wife, Tia, Chase Dugger and Cali Dugger; nineteen great grandchildren, Christian Burgrabe, Brayden Burgrabe, Aaron Thompson, Dylan Thompson, Eowyn Thompson, Ryan Davison, Reef Davison, Rowan Davison, Baby Girl Davison, Olivia Burgrabe, Owen Burgrabe, Scarlett Fuchs, Jaxon Stuehlmeyer, Millie Dugger, Sophia Dugger, Henry Storey, Baby Boy Storey, August Hobson,and Khloe Dugger, many grand pets, ten brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Katie Burgrabe and brother, Billie Neal Dugger. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The graveside service was on Monday, December 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in Egyptian Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Energy, IL, with Dr. Bob Wagner presiding. Those attending the graveside service gathered at the cemetery prior to 11:00 a.m. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by the members of the Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 of Marion, and members of the United States Navy Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Comments of memory were presented by James’ daughter, Penny. Special musical selections presented during the service were “Amazing Grace”, “Coming Home” and “Danny Boy” all by Bagpiper Paul Thompson. Pallbearers were Pat Dugger, Mike Dugger, Adam Dugger, Colten Dugger, Jeremiah Dugger and Chase Dugger. Interment followed in the Egyptian Memorial Gardens Cemetery. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “The Williamson County Shrine Club”. Memorial contributions were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were also available at the cemetery and funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

James Norman Dugger

January 31, 1931 - December 25, 2020