Distefano, James “Jim King” 90, peacefully passed away Friday, February 24, 2017, surrounded by his children. Jim resided at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, MO at the time of his death. Prior to his move to St. James in 2015, Macomb, IL was home to Jim and his family for nearly 55 years.
Jim was born in Kansas City, MO in 1926 to Carmelo and Marguerite Distefano. He met Charlene Irwin in Carthage, MO, they wed in 1948 and they were married for nearly 60 years until Charlene’s passing in 2007. Jim is survived by five of his children: Linda (Jim) Clarkson, David (Sue) Distefano, John (Kim) Distefano, Beth Distefano and Jim (Stefka) Distefano and his grandchildren: Logan Distefano, Andrew Clarkson, Jamie (Russell) Parker and Tom Distefano. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Charlene and their first-born daughter, Susan Marie.
Jim proudly served our country in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. Jim’s first career calling was radio broadcasting, which he pursued for many years under the media name Jim King. His passion for broadcasting included a 40-year run volunteering on public radio stations. Throughout his career, Jim delighted countless listeners with his crystal clear voice. All who knew Jim will quickly agree his faith and family always came first, but a life-long love of virtually all sports played a central part of his life as well. And while Jim’s amazing eye-hand coordination served him well on the pool table, at the free throw line, on the bowling lanes and on the baseball field, regrettably he infrequently found the center of the fairway.
Jim’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the caring health service personnel who brought meaning and purpose to Jim’s last years, particularly those at Grand Prairie Assisted Living Center in Macomb and the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James.
Jim will be buried beside Charlene and Susie during a family service in Carthage, MO. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
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