James "Butch" Louis Elmore Obituary (1943 - 2023)

James "Butch" Louis Elmore, 79, of Virden, IL, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m. with Ed Austif officiating. A visitation for friends & family will be held on Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until service time in the funeral home. Per Jim's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a private family burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield. Jim was born December 5, 1943 in Pana, son of James Elmore & Norma (Pope) Holman. After the passing of his mother, he was raised by his granny, Odelia Giffen. He was a student at Pana High School until he joined the U.S. Navy at age 15. He was a sonar specialist during the Vietnam War. During his life, Jim was a member of the Renegades C.B. Club and Star Touring Chapter #110. He also attended Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2022. One of his greatest joys was marrying his wife, Rita Elmore on December 30, 1994. They would have celebrated 30 years of a beautiful marriage this December. He was also passionate about rescuing animals, fishing, hunting, and motorcycles. Jim was ornery, competitive, and incredibly stubborn, but loved his family more than anything in the world and showed that in his own "special" way. Jim leaves behind his wife, Rita, of Virden; children: Jamie (Frank) Hughes of Granite City; Tina Elmore (Larry Neal) of Pana; Joe Elmore of Tower Hill; Dusty (Doug) Pierson of Virden; Brock (Alicia) Aumiller of Benld; Tammy (Bobby) Hupp of Edinburg; Tip Krus of Auburn; grandchildren: T.C. (Anna) Dixon, James (Beth) Elmore, Josh Dixon, Trent Krus, T.J. Krus, Kaleb (Samantha) Elmore, Alaina (Nate) Griffith, Ellie (Steven) Pierson, Ricky (Donica) Elmore, Tyler Pierson, John Hupp, Victoria Hughes, Trinity Carlyle, Ashlee Aumiller, William Hupp, Brian Hupp, Walter Aumiller & Joan Aumiller; great grandchildren: Jimmy Ridenbark-Elmore, Sophia Dixon, Zander Elmore, Piper Dixon, William Woodall, Lexi Boothe, Rachel Boothe, Mitchell Boothe, Lucian Elmore, Jayce Elmore & Aria Elmore; brother, Denny (Phyllis) Elmore of Pana; two well-loved pets, Charlie & Lil Bit; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, granny, and sister, Rhonda Holman Leigh. Jim's family would like to thank the incredible team of nurses, who cared for him during his time at St. John's, Taylor, Raynea, Jodi & Shawn. Their kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Memorials in Jim's honor may be made to the family for medical & funeral expenses and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.