Jim Bigger, 82, of Media, Illinois, passed away at 12:08 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Jim was born on September 21, 1937 in Burlington, Iowa the son of Lewis and Hazel Marie (Leinbach) Bigger. On July 31, 1965 he married Gladys Wilson in Burlington. She preceded him in death on June 18, 1996. On July 18, 1998 he married Verla McElhinney in Media. She survives.
Jim was a 1955 graduate of the Biggsville Illinois High School. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1955 until 1959. He then farmed in the Media area all of his life. He served as Trustee of the MST Fire Department. He was a member and former elder of the Media Community United Presbyterian Church, the Tri-County Cattleman and the Illinois Beef Association. He loved telling jokes, operating his bull dozer, farming and most importantly, his family.
Survivors include his wife, two daughters: Michele (Doug) Williams of Milan, Missouri and Gina (Jason) Hagge of Morning Sun, Iowa; one son: Barry (Jody) Bigger of Media; six grandchildren: Ethan Bigger, Sydney Bigger, Hadley Williams, Camden Williams, Kaleb Hagge and Lauren Hagge, one sister: Nola Talbott of Media, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Gladys; two brothers: Gale and Reldon Bigger; one sister: Jenny Lundvall and one niece: Pam Hubbard.
The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Pam Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, near Media. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday at Banks & Beals where the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established for the Great River Hospice House. To leave a condolence please visit Jim’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
