James Conway Sr.

James G. Conway Sr., 96 of rural Reynolds, Aledo, IL and recently of Sun City, AZ, passed to eternal life Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Advanced Healthcare, Glendale, AZ surrounded by the love of family members. A Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 16, 2018 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Aledo. Burial is in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Aledo. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Friday June 15, 2018 at Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo where a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.

James Gerald Conway was born in rural Reynolds on November 18, 1921. He was the second child of Charles J. Conway and Anna A. Grady Conway. He attended Fairplay School, Reynolds and, St. Joseph High School, Philo, IL. He graduated from Reynolds High School in 1938. He attended St. Ambrose College. At Reynolds High, he competed in track & field, running distances and throwing the javelin. He learned and played cornet and violin. He sang in a beautiful baritone voice.

James served in the United States Army during WWII, rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Jim married Maryalyce “Megan” Galvin at St. John’s Catholic Church, Des Moines, Iowa on October 20, 1945. The Conway’s were parishioners of St. Anthony’s Church, Matherville. Jim was active in the Holy Name Society and the Cursillo movement.

Jim farmed in Preemption Township for 65 years. He loved farming. The farm produced corn, soybeans, oats and hay. In the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, he maintained a herd of brood cows and calves. Over his career, he produced and marketed thousands of cattle.

He served two terms as a Member of the Mercer County Board and also as the chairman of the Mercer County Hospital Board. Later he served as Preemption Township Supervisor.

For decades Jim was the bugler for American Legion Post 1166, performing “Taps” for Memorial Day Honor ceremonies.

Jim was a quietly devout and faithful Catholic. His practice of charity to those in need around him was constant. He and Meg led by example in encouraging their children to follow the teachings of Christ, especially to practice kindness to others and to accept individuals with different backgrounds and beliefs. They steadfastly encouraged their children (and others) to gain as much education as possible.

He is survived by eight children: James G. Conway Jr. of Aledo, IL; Maureen Conway of Sun City, AZ; Marianne “Mandi” Conway, M.D. (Gholam Peyman, M.D.) of Sun City, AZ; Kevin (Linda) Conway of Sherrard, IL; Brian (Mary) Conway of Sun City, AZ; Shawn (Greet) Conway of the Netherlands; Michaela (Shack) Cashen of Dallas, TX; Marc (Patricia) Conway of Reynolds, IL; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; his sister: Kathleen A. Corrigan of Davenport, Iowa.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Megan; their daughter: Sheila Kathleen (1/6/48); a granddaughter: Gloria Montoya Conway (1979); his sister: Mary Eleanor McDonald; and his brothers: Thomas P. and Charles F. Conway.