John D. "J.D." Hargis Obituary (1935

John D. Hargis Jr., known to all as J.D., of Salem, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2019 after a long battle with health issues. J.D. was born on June 11, 1935 in Marion County as the second child of John and Mary Hargis of rural Raccoon Township. He married SCHS prom queen Judith Ann Lynch on June 17, 1956 and they resided in Salem, where she survives. In addition to his wife Judy, J.D. is survived by three sons, Michael Hargis and wife Vicky of Salem, Douglas Hargis and wife Kristy of Centralia and Bradley Hargis and wife Sherry of Salem; three brothers, Donald Hargis and wife Barbara of Florida, Ron "James" Hargis and wife Virginia of St. Charles, Missouri and Richard Hargis and wife Beverley of Centralia; one sister-in-law Debbie Chillson of Walnut Hill; care taker, Rose Sullens; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Christine Mulvany and one great-granddaughter. J.D. was a lover of outdoors; an avid hunter and owner and trainer of several pointer bird dogs. He was also a supporter of Salem Wildcats sports and was a member of the Wildcats football chain gang for over 50 consecutive years. J.D. was a member of the Salem Wildcats Hall of Fame as a member of the 1952 football team and was inducted as an individual in 2008 for his years of service and support of Salem Wildcat sports. He served as a deacon of the First Christian Church of Salem for several years. His love for the outdoors and hunting, especially quail, lead him to raise and release the quail to preserve local wild game. He later served as president and in other offices in the local chapters of the Illinois Quail Unlimited. His other hobbies included mowing his yard, gardening, and picking on his grandchildren. J.D. was an employee of Fabick Tractor for over 30 years and was later the manager of catering for Austin's Restaurant in Salem. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always perked up when he got time with them. Funeral Services for J.D. Hargis Jr. will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem with Phil Martin officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of the service. Burial will be in the East Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to be SCHS Athletic Department and will be received at the funeral home.