James R. Gothard, 76, of Eldorado, IL, formerly of Braidwood, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, IN.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29 at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Troy Tvrdik of the First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles.

He was born May 24, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, to Robert and Ruth (Pate) Loomis.  On July 25, 1970, he married Laurie Hillman who preceded him in death in 2007.

Jim served in the Marines and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a member of the Morris VFW Post # 6049. He was employed by Caterpillar in Joliet until his retirement. Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter. Jim was in pool and bowling leagues and received a ring and plaque for bowling a perfect 300 game. He loved everything outdoors and cheering on his favorite MLB team, the St Louis Cardinals.

Survivors include his children, Beachi (Krystal) Gothard of La Porte, IN and Courtni Gothard of Braidwood; 5 grandchildren, Cody Gothard, James Russell, Jacob and Elizabeth Poppenger, and Angel Russell; his girlfriend of 11 years, Patty Harrod; and his siblings, Bill (Debbie) Gothard, Cliff (Sandy) Pate, Robert Loomis, Lucy (Robert) Ellis, and Richard (Patty), Calvin, Alfred (Mary), Van (Alicia), and Charlie (Dee) Loomis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth Loomis; his wife, Laurie; one brother, Steve Loomis; and two sisters, Patsy Beardsley and Irene Marti.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com