Obituary of James G. Dirksen

James G. Dirksen Sr. 81 of Carlinville, passed away Saturday morning, December 20, 2014 at Heritage Health Care in Carlinville, IL. Jim was born on July 6, 1933 to George and Alvina (Mauer) Dirksen in Springfield, IL. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and honorably discharged. On March 29, 1984 he married Betty L. Smith in Springfield, IL. Jim started his sales career working for his parent's furniture store, Dirksen & Sons' Furniture Store in Springfield. He also worked for Myers Brothers in Springfield in their furniture department before moving to North Carolina as a buyer for several different furniture stores. Jim retired from Havertys Furniture in Tallahassee Florida in 2006 and he and Betty moved to Carlinville. Working was Jim's hobby. He attended Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville, but most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and loved his toy Poodle "Sassy". James is survived by his wife, Betty L. Smith-Dirksen of Carlinville; son, James G. (Carri) Dirksen, Jr. of Madison, IN; two daughters, Joan (Rob) Miller of Granger, IN and Clare (Mark) Boggess of Murray, KY; three step sons, Dennis (Debbie) Smith of Dora, MO, David (Joyce) Smith of Virden, IL and Danny (Beth) Smith of Wyoming, MN; step daughter, Kimberly (Russ) Hall of Carlinville, IL; six grandchildren; several step grandchildren; several step great grandchildren; two daughter-in-laws, Donna and Karla Smith and a sister, Mary (Rich) Flynn of Queen Creek, AZ. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Marcia (Purpus) Dirksen, daughter, Barbara Bos; two step sons, Larry and Gary Smith; his brother, David Dirksen and one sister, Julianne Dirksen. Funeral Information Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 10:00 am at Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville with Rev. Angel Sierra officiating. Burial will take place at Gunter Cemetery in Dora, MO at a later date. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church. Directions Service: Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church