James Floyd “Jim” Tarter, 64, of Litchfield, died on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Graveside services will be held at a later date. Litchfield Family Funeral Service is assisting the family.
Mr. Tarter was born Aug. 5, 1957, in Litchfield, to Florian “Floyd” and Dorothy (Ogden) Tarter. True high school sweethearts, he married Rebecca Wey on March 6, 1976, at the First Baptist Church in Litchfield, and a few months later, graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1976. Ten years later, they renewed their vows at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. She survives.
During his career, he served as a coal miner for 28 years before his retirement and mine closure in 2007. He then went to work for Union Pacific Rail Road in 2008 and retired in 2019.
Mr. Tarter was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the United Mine Workers of America, Local #1613.
He enjoyed fishing with his grandkids, watching them race mini sprints at the race track and coaching softball teams. He also enjoyed cooking, traveling to the mountains, and spending time with his family. He was also an animal lover and referred to his dogs, Bebe and Gertrude, as his “girls.” He also loved his turtle, Louie.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Tarter is survived by his three daughters, Bonnie Tarter, Lora (Mike) Everett and Sarah Tarter, all of Litchfield; granddaughter, Bristol Shawn Everett; grandson, Bodee Lee Everett; sisters, Linda (Don Digiorgi) Wanger of Springfield and Mary Jane (Phil Whitler) Tarter of Litchfield; and brother, John (Valerie) Tarter of Fairbury.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joshua; and grandchildren, Tyler James and Aurora Lynn Tarter.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.litchfieldffs.com.
