James Willard Rives
James (Jim) Willard Rives of Carlinville, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
He was born August 2 1921 in Greenfield, to George Jr. “Cotton” and Bernice (Cole) Rives.
He married Anna Mae (Bellm) April 9, 1947 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Carlinville. They celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary April 9, 2022.
After graduation from Greenfield High School Jim entered Alexian Brothers School of Male Nursing Chicago, where he graduated as a Registered Nurse. He then went on to become a Registered Lab Technician and X-ray Technician.
Jim enlisted into the US Army in November 1943. He served in the 8th Armored Division as a Technical Staff Sergeant, and served as a Medic taking care of wounded troops during WWII, then as a Clinic Director in the Occupation Forces for a year in Germany. Through his actions in the war he was granted the Bronze Star Medal.
After his service to our country during WWII, he carried jobs in private duty nursing, nursing and lab, and x-ray.
Jim then took the job as Carlinville Area Hospital Administrator and retired from there in 1979, after holding the position for 25 years.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, camping, traveling, reading (Westerns), telling war and life stories, and scratching off lottery tickets. He was a member of Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 663, American Legion Post #554 and the Rotary Club.
He is survived by his wife; children, Patty (Richard) Lange, John (Charlotte) Rives, Bill (Karen) Rives, Matt Rives all of Carlinville. Mike (Olga) Rives of Carlyle, Bob (Deehan) Rives of Hillsboro, Jim (Eileen) Rives of Springfield, Mo. Margaret (Jan) Jansen of Florissant, Mo., Becky (Rusty) Klein of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; 21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; brother Earlom Rives of Canton and several nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Rives; sister, Eileen (Rives) Scott; son Richard Rives, and grandson Nathaniel James Florence.
Mass of Christian Burial for Jim was held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville with Rev. Joseph Koyickal Celebrant.
Memorials may be made to Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary and Ss Mary & Joseph Building Fund.
Visit davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
