James E. Lardi, Jr.

Age 93 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Wilmington, Illinois, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Born April 18, 1930 in South Wilmington, Illinois, James Edward was a son of James, Sr. and Catherine (Motta) Lardi. He was raised  in Essex and graduated from Reed-Custer High School with the Class of 1948. Jim served his country in the United States Army, and on May 23, 1954 he married Bernice Joan Bell at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington.

He was born and raised a farmer, starting as a young boy and would continue to farm in Wilmington Township his entire adult life. Jim was also proud to be a Union Local 150 Operator for over 50 years. He was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church, where he served as a Knight of Columbus, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 241 in Wilmington, and the Braidwood Recreation Club.

He was an avid fisherman, spending countless hours at the area clubs, his pond, or his home in Lake Placid, Florida. Jim and Bernice were snow birds for thirty years and found great peace at their Florida home, especially out on the pontoon boat. He also exercised his farming instincts at home by caring for and maintaining a prolific vegetable garden. Jim was a hard worker who took great pride in taking care of and providing for his family.

Survivors include his five children: Jeff (Barb) Lardi of Wilmington, Bob (Sally) Lardi and Jim (Renee) Lardi, both of Morris, Mary Lardi of Hoffman Estates and Bill (Melissa) Lardi of Coal City; eight grandchildren: Tony (Alexa) Lardi, Michelle (Ryan) Hall, Bobby (Hallie) Lardi, Kelly Lardi (Joe Pavone), Ashley (Brayden) Barker, Kaitlyn Lardi (Mike Rowell), Lexi Lardi and Abby Lardi; six great grandchildren: Kayla, Bella, Olivia, Hunter, Scarlett and Meghan; one sister, Betty (the late Alvin) VanDuyne, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Bernice Lardi; one grandson, Jeffrey Lardi, Jr.; brothers and sisters: Joe (Ann) Lardi, Katie (John) Dixon, Leticia (Clarence) Payne, Chuck Lardi, Theresa Lardi, and Rosie (LeRoy) VanDuyne; sister-in-law, Mary Thompson-Tatroe, and two brothers-in-law: Ray (Rosanna) Bell and Leo Bell.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Jim will be laid to rest with his wife.

Pallbearers will be: Jeff Lardi, Bob Lardi, Jim Lardi, Bill Lardi, Tony Lardi and Bobby Lardi.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jim's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Jim's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wimington (815) 476-2181.