James E. McIlrath

James E. McIlrath, 88 of Huntington passed away at 7:45 pm on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at The Heritage of Huntington. Jim was a Huntington Township graduate. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 – 1946. Jim was a WWII vet who saw combat in Saipan and Tinian in the Pacific and received a purple heart during his service. He attended Ringling Art School in Sarasota, Florida in 1947. Jim was a member of the VFW Post 2689 of Huntington. He worked as a graphic artist at Wayne Paper Box/Container Corporation of America in 1954. From 1970-1988 he worked as a graphic artist at Our Sunday Visitor. He enjoyed painting and art in general and loved nature, especially mushroom hunting. He loved his family dearly.

Jim was born on February 9, 1926 in Huntington County, a son of Willard and Esther (Truitt) McIlrath.

He was united in marriage to Jean Ann Raver on November 27, 1947 in Majenica. She preceded him in death on August 4, 2004.

Survivors include three sons: Jim W. (Anne) McIlrath of Orlando, FL; Mike (Linda) McIlrath of Macy, IN; Kevin (Kathy) McIlrath of Huntington; six grandchildren: Shannon McIlrath of Orlando, FL; Ian McIlrath of Orlando, FL; Jenifer (Bill) Kipp of Elkhart; Jason (Kem) McIlrath of Huntington; Bretton McIlrath of Atlanta, GA and Lauren McIlrath of Fort Wayne. And three great grand children

Dominick, Xavier, and Casayda Kipp.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Willard H. McIlrath, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, Indiana.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel with Pastor Solomon David officiating.

Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made out to VFW Post 2689 of Huntington in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.