James F. Biggs

James F. Biggs, age 86 of Mattoon, IL went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, September 1, 2021, at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Charleston, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston, IL. Jim was born on November 20,1934 in Charleston, IL to the late Huber S. and Chlotilde V. (Liptincott) Biggs. He married Natresia C. Ballinger on April 22, 1955; she preceded him in death on November 24,1998. He is survived by three daughters, Cathy C. Abston of Charleston, IL, Debbie J. Hines and husband Jay of Mattoon, IL, Terri J. Carpenter and husband Bill of Greenville, IL; seven grandchildren: Aaron J. Hines of Littleton, CO, Hannah M. Romack and husband Jimmy of Greenville, IL, April D. Nance of Charleston, IL, Travis J. Abston of Charleston, IL, Shantha K. Robison and husband Sean of Charleston, IL, Sunny M. Dralle and wife Taylor of Quincy, IL, Janie L. Lee of Lincoln, IL; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Donna S. Baldwin of Charleston, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Bud Biggs; sister, Norma Haddock; son-in-law, Joe Abston; and grandson, Todd Nance. Jim honorably served our country in the National Guard in his younger years. He then worked for many years as a branch manager for Means Services and in 1990 he retired from Mars Petcare Kal-Kan Corporation in Mattoon, IL. He was a member of the Bible Central Church in Charleston, IL. An avid sports fan, Jim enjoyed watching his beloved Fighting Illini and Chicago Cubs and enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Above all, he was a wonderful father, grandfather, and was very special to so many loved ones. Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to Peace Meals, 694 Castle Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Please visit www.mitchelljerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

James F. Biggs

November 20, 1934 - September 1, 2021