James H. Desper, age 86 of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at his residence with family by his side.

James was born in Maryville, IL on October 22, 1936 to the late Joseph and Louise (nee Adams) Desper.  He married Delores "Dee" J. Cooper on March 8, 1958 and she preceded him in death.

He was a Collinsville High School graduate and honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  James retired from Ginn-Wilson, Inc. as an officer manager.  He and his wife, Dee, were collectors of McCoy pottery, and in his younger years he loved to play baseball.  Later in life he enjoyed sitting on his front porch with his dog, Dee Dee.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda K. Desper.

Surviving are three children:  Cynthia "Cindy" (Mark) Yetter, Connie (Darren) Jellen, and Curtis (Cindie) Desper; eight grandchildren:  Stephanie Hanlon, Jason Hyde, Shawn Desper, Paige Wassell, Devin Desper, Brooke Desper, Nicole Fitzgibbons and Kara Fitzgibbons; 11 great-grandchildren:  Dylan Kroder, Kaitlyn Biagi, Colton Hanlon, Alexis Hyde, Lily Hyde, Garrett Desper, Crew Kolakowski, Quinn Kolakowski, Kaaley Webber, Paityn Wilson and Khaleesi Wilson; and great-great-granddaughter, Iris Biagi.

A private ceremony will be scheduled at a later date.