James D. Radden

James D. Radden, 66, of Belleville, IL, and  Laurie, MO, born Saturday, February 24, 1945, in Kankakee, IL, died Sunday, October 30, 2011 at his lake home in Laurie, MO, surrounded by his loving family.

On August 6, 1966 in Belleville, IL he was united in marriage to Barbara Evelyn Christenson and together they shared 45 years until his death.

James was a Funeral Director, Baldus-Radden Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, Deputy Administrator Circuit Clerks Office, St. Clair Co. 1973 to 1976, St. Clair Co. Coroner 1976 to  1984, Illinois State Central Committeeman (Rep. party) 1979 to 1983, appointed by the governor to the Illinois Necropsy Board 1979 to 1984, Trustee Stookey Township Board 2000 - present, and retired from Illinois Department of Transportation as Traffic Investigation Manager 1985 to 2004.

James was a member of Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie MO and a former member of Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL.  He served on the board and was a member of Methodist Men in both churches, a member of the Good News Bible study at Ozark Chapel, and was active in Christian mission work.  He was a member of  St. Clair Lodge #24 AF & AM of  Belleville, IL, York Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, Belleville High Twelve, Belleville Jaycees, Elks Lodge # 2705, (Laurie MO).  He was past President of St. Clair Co. Funeral Directors in 1971, Belleville Lions club in 1970, a Past President Illinois Coroners Assoc. in 1983, member International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and past Chairman of Belleville Empty Stocking Fund.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Mother: Rose Mary nee Groff, Radden whom died in 1945
  • Father: Maurice F. Radden on 6-19-1989
  • Aunt: Glades nee Graner, Pence died October 2011.

Surviving are his:

  • Wife: Barbara E. nee Christenson, Radden of Belleville, IL and Laurie MO
  • Mother: Marianna nee Grainer, Radden. of Belleville, IL
  • Daughter: Cynthia (Robert) Bingham of Belleville, IL 
  • Son: James "Chip" (Marsha) Radden of Swansea, IL
  • Grandchildren
    • Matthew Radden of Belleville, IL
    • Allyson Anderson of Belleville, IL
    • Amanda Hamilton of Swansea, IL
    • Jacob Radden of Swansea, IL
    • Austin Radden of Swansea, IL 
  • Great-grandson: Parker Stoll of Belleville, IL
  • Brother: David (Sandra) Radden of O'Fallon, IL
  • Brothers-in-law
    • Edwin Christenson of Oshkosh WI
    • Dennis (Connie) Christenson of Green Bay, WI
  • Sister-in-law: Linda (David) Croft of Pella, IL
  • Many loving nieces and nephews

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Shriner's Hospital for Children

Services in Laurie MO:

Visitation: Friends may call from 9 - 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie MO.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie MO.

Services in Belleville, IL:

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. Masonic service will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday at the Funeral Home.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick  White officiating  Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.

Condolences left for James D. Radden:

    Dear Barb and family;
    I'm sorry to see the passing of Jim. I have the fondest memories of growing up next to the funeral home with Jim and David. And also my friends and I compaigning for Jim when he was running for county coroner. These are memories that will last forever. He was such a loving and caring man. May God watch over you and your family during this difficult time and help you all find peace. Take Care, Love Robin

    Robin Kuldell Pulley Collinsville IL 62234

    Barb & family
    Sorry about Jim I have not seen him for years before seeing him at Mitch Polich funeral. May God bless you. Love Barb (Nelsen) (Jim's Cousin)

    Barbara Reed East Moline Illinois 61244

    Dear Cindy and family, Sorry to hear about your father's death. I liked the Capt. as soon as I met him. I know how much he was loved by all of you. I know this is very hard on you, because I know how close you were to him. I wish you God's speed in your quest for comfort... Love Lynda

    lynda williamson belleville illinois 62221

    My deepest sympathy to the family. Worked with Jim at IDOT. He was a great person a lot of good memories.

    Mike Budnicki Collinsville Il 62234

    The LaHarpe High School Class of 1963 send our sincere condolance to the family of Jim Radden. We all have fond and happy memories of time spent together in our years of high school together. Jim always added wonderful humor to our gatherings, especially homecoming float decorating time when his parent generously provided a place for us to get together. All of us have our own special memories of Jim. May he rest in peace.

    Karen Mynatt