Jim Royston

Edwardsville: Jim Royston, 72, passed away at 11:21am on Monday, December 4, 2017, at his residence. He was born on September 22, 1945, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of the late Cornelius and Virginia (Waters) Royston. He married Vicki Stevens on March 18, 2006, in Edwardsville, and she survives. Other survivors include one sister: Linda Beanland and her husband: Roger of Decatur, Illinois, and her two children, niece Connie Royston, nephew Roger Wayne and his wife: Tabitha and their children: two stepdaughters: Jennifer Hays and her wife: Deborah of Edwardsville along with their children and grandchildren, Kelly Faust of South Bend, Indiana, one stepson: Jeremy Hays and his wife: Michelle of St. Jacob, Illinois, and their two children: and a special granddaughter Tawni Robinette of North Carolina. Over the years, Jim’s commitment to mentoring youth earned him much respect, and he was affectionately called ‘Pops’ by many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Kerry Michael Royston; and by wife Jan Royston. At a very young age, the Royston family relocated from Wisconsin to East St Louis. Jim graduated from East St Louis High in 1963. He joined the United States Army Reserves at age 18 years; boot camp was at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and artillery school was at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Jim received a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from SIU-E. His hobbies and interests included history, the military, guns, and trains. Jim held a variety of positions starting at the age of 15 years when he worked as a car hop. A few other positions included: Carter Carburetor where he planned machinery placement for the factory; Southwestern ‘Ma’ Bell as a lineman; Illinois Department of Public Aide as a caseworker; and then went to work for the Regional Research and Development Services Department at SIU-E where he did team building/conflict resolution services. Jim’s most rewarding position was becoming a policeman for SIU-E at the age of 55 years; a position he held until his retirement in 2007. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in care of Vicki Stevens or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220-2159.