James Massey

James Massey, 78, of Belleville, IL, born October 10, 1938, in Galatia, IL, died Monday, July 17, 2017, at his residence.

Mr. Massey graduated from Alton High School, Alton, IL, in 1956 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1960 and 1962 respectively.  Jim started his teaching career in 1960 at Belleville Township High School and Junior College as a chemistry teacher, and was an assistant principal at the school from 1968 to 1971.  From 1972 until 2007 he was a chemistry professor at Belleville Area College.  He was a member of the American Association of University Professors and the Illinois Community College Faculty Association.  He served as the chairperson of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Jim was a member of the Belleville Kiwanis Club and was a volunteer at the Missouri Botanical Gardens as a Master Gardener.  Jim was a long-time parishioner of St. George’s Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis J. and Sarah J., nee Ragsdale, Massey; his mother-in-law, Hester G. Ollis; a stepson, Larry Shannahan; three brothers, Robert, William and Gene Massey; and two sisters, Margaret Thackery and Dorothy Humphrey.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Hester E. “Betty”, nee Ollis, Massey, whom he married on August 16, 1974;
a son, James Gregory “Greg” Massey of Nederland, CO;
a daughter, Diane (Frank) Weitekamper of Libertyville, IL;
three stepchildren, Tim (Mary) Shannahan of Edina, MN, Elizabeth (Court) Rejman of Barrington, IL, and Angela (Phil) Kammann of Belleville, IL;
three grandchildren, Katja, Kai, and Marcus Weitekamper;
eight step-grandchildren, Brian and Erik Shannahan,
Casey and Megan Shannahan, Connor and Dillon Rejman,
and Eliza and Katie Kammann;
one step-great-grandchild, Blake Shannahan;
a brother, Richard “Dick” Massey of Alton, IL;
a sister, Judy Schubach of Godfrey, IL;
a brother-in-law, Ronald (Karen) Ollis;
and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. George’s Episcopal Church or to the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Dale Coleman officiating.

Private burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Condolences Left For James Massey

Wish to express my sorrow at learning of the passing of Jim. He was first of all an outstanding person. He was a great teacher. The world is not as good as it was when he was here

B.J. Davis

B. J. Davis, Glen Carbon, IL., 62034

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We would like to offer our sincere sympathies to all those who loved Jim. While we only met him a couple years ago, he was such a pleasant man to have conversations with. Prayers for peace and comfort to Betty and the Kammann family. Peace be with all of you.

Vahlkamp Family, Belleville, IL, 62223

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Dear Family, I am so sad for you all at this time. Smart, witty, handsome. A true Massey in all aspects. He will be missed but is in better place.

Mary Massey, St. Louis, MISSOURI, 63146

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Dear Betty and Family
I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was among my favorite friends volunteering at Missour Botanical Garden. He will be missed.
John

john Stephens, chesterfield, MO, 63017

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I extend my deepest sympathy to the Massey family. Virginia Barthel

Virginia Barthel, Belleville, Illinois, 62220

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I am so sad for all of Uncle Jim’s family. I learned a lot about love by watching Uncle Jim over the years. He always went out of his way to be there for those he loved. He was a very kind and thoughtful person who will be greatly missed.

Ann Thackrey, Bridgeton, Missouri, 63044

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Betty we extend our sympathy to all family members. He was a true gentleman, good friend and a dedicated Kiwanis member. Charlie & Mabel Weik

Charles Weik, BELLEVILLE, Illinois, 62221

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I am extending my sincere sympathy to the Massey family. I continue to lift you up in prayer.

Craig Jesenick, Swansea , IL, 62226