James Cordray, 72, of Girard, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Sunrise Manor in Virden.
Graveside services will be held Monday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. in Girard Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Lovely officiating. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard is assisting the family.
Mr. Cordray was born Dec. 9, 1947, in Springfield, a son of Thurlow Benton and Doris (Smith) Cordray Shirley. Due to his father’s early death, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Ralph Shirley. He married Mildred “Millie” Thacker on Dec. 15, 1967, in Panama, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2011.
He attended Hillsboro High School with the class of 1965. He enjoyed his job at Central Illinois Steel Company in Carlinville as a truck driver and retired in 2019.
His passion was racing, and he loved to watch and participate in anything that went fast and around. His favorite thing was dirt bike racing and anything else that ran on dirt. He couldn’t wait for the weekend so he could watch the races.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Shane Cordray of Girard; grandsons, Doug Cordray and Christopher Cordray, both of Girard; great-grandson, Alexander Golden Allen Cordray; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Harrel James Cordray; a brother, Harrel Lynn Cordray; and several stepbrothers and stepsisters.
Memorials may be made to Davis-Anderson Funeral Home,226 North 3rd, Girard, IL 62640.
Online condolences may be left at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.
