Zirkelbach

James Rudolph Zirkelbach, 86, of Benld, Ill., died on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at his residence. He was born Nov. 26, 1936, in Shawneetown to Gregory Zirkelbach and Beulah (Vaughn) Zirkelbach. He married Mary V. Lebro on Aug. 12, 1977, in Carlinville.

James was a retired sheriff for Macoupin County Sheriff's Department in Carlinville, a member of the Macoupin - Montgomery Crime Stoppers, Illinois Sheriff's Association, former board member for Community Unit School District #7, Amvets and a former member of the Macoupin County Board.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Zirkelbach of Benld; five sons, Robert (Sandee) Zirkelbach of Carlisle, Iowa, Dennis (Julie) Zirkelbach of Eagarville, James Zirkelbach of Benld, Mark (Sandy) Zirkelbach of Kemp, Texas, Brad Zirkelbach of Wentzville, Mo .; three daughters, Tracy (Bret) Werner of Hamel, Joan (Brent) Cain of Carlinville, Kimberly (Jack) Burns of Benld; two brothers, Andrew (Shirley) Zirkelbach of Alton, Eugene (Ruth) Zirkelbach of Kampsville; and sister, Pat Navarre of Godfrey. James was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Zirkelbach; sister, Cecelia Zirkelbach; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Zirkelbach.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4 until 8 p.m. Funeral services are Thursday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie with Pastor Bob Zirkelbach officiating. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Crimestoppers or to Gillespie High School Cross Country. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.