James Robert McCoy, 77, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 12, 1942, to Lyle and Beatrice (Page) McCoy-Kent in Belle Rive, IL. James was a retired coal miner. On May 15, 1971, he married Barbara Rusher, and she preceded him in death.

James was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed reading, building and tinkering around. He was very creative and was fluent in Spanish and German, being self-taught.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of West City.

James is survived by his two loving children, Matthew McCoy of Benton, IL and Jennifer Huie of Sesser, IL; a granddaughter, Rylin Huie; two sisters, Margaret Hines of Mt. Vernon, IL and Helen Rusher and husband Jim of Sesser, IL; two brother-in-laws, Rick (Gail) Rusher of Owensville, IN, Steve (Tara) Rusher of Evansville, IN; three sister-in-laws, Jean McCoy of Effingham, IL, Christy Davenport and husband Jim of Henderson, KY and Kathy Rusher of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle McCoy and Beatrice McCoy-Kent, a sister, Dora McClintock, a brother, Ed McCoy and two brother-in-laws, Jim Hines and Clinton McClintock.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Bert Mitchell officiating.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Air Force.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.