James Earl Stinson

James Earl Stinson
Feb. 3, 1933 – Sept. 5, 2020
James Earl Stinson, born Feb. 3, 1933, in Ruth died Sept. 5, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, IL.
He served in the Air Force as a military policeman form 1951-1955. He was deployed to Korea during the Korean War. James worked at Tri-County Electric Cooperative for 36 years. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club in Salem, a member of IBEW and The American Legion. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and the Amvets. He coached Little League and volunteered many hours to the building and maintaining of baseball fields in the community.
He is survived by his children, Paula (Dennis) Flanagan, Sherry Williams, Mark (Teri) Stinson, and Keith (Katy) Stinson. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was the son of Myrtie Lou and Emmitt Stinson.
He married Kay Hottensen on May 25, 1957. They had four children and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Stinson took care of his wife in sickness and in health until her death in 2012.
Throughout his life he and Kay traveled many miles to be supporters of their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkid’s activities. They always carried a cooler along with Snickers candy bars and drinks for anyone that needed a snack. He froze many gallons of ice cream, cut many watermelons, and treated all that were involved to ice cream or pizza. He touched many lives with his generosity.
James was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers, and one granddaughter. As per his wishes, he will be cremated and buried next to his wife.
Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salem Little League, St. Judes, The Alzheimer’s Assn., or the Charity of the donor’s choice.