James Louis Bolton

James Louis Bolton, 73, of Hillsboro, IL, passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 11:06 a.m. at his residence. Cremation rites were accorded and private services will be held.  Mark Noyes will officiate.  Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro, IL.  

Mr. Bolton was born on February 8, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, to the late James W. and Ethel J (Schowengerdt) Bolton. He was a 1966 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, IL and attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO.  He married Linda Hilbert, on September 1, 1973, at the United Methodist Church in Pocahontas, IL.  She survives in Hillsboro, IL.  Mr. Bolton had served in the Missouri National Guard and Illinois National Guard, being discharged in 1975. He was a Coal Miner at Consolidated Coal Mine in Coffeen, IL, and Burning Star II and Crown III mines in Farmersville, IL.  He was also in auto sales management. As a Union Coal Miner at Crown III Mine in Farmersville,  Jim served many years on the State of Illinois COMPAC Committee. As a member of UMWA Local 12, he held all major union offices at various times; most recently holding the Union Financial Officer position for over 25 years.  Mr. Bolton was a member of the United Mine Workers and a big fan of Mizzou sports.  He was involved in many youth sports programs over the years, he coached both baseball and basketball teams and was the past President of the Hillsboro Sports Association. Mr. Bolton had lived in Missouri, Great Lakes near Chicago, IL and then in Hillsboro, IL most of his life.

Mr. Bolton is survived by his wife, Linda Bolton, of Hillsboro, IL; one son, Cordy James (wife Carla) Bolton of Hillsboro, IL; two grandchildren, Mya Bolton and Katelyn Bolton both of HIllsboro, IL; two sisters, Janice L. Sheridan of Shiloh, IL and Jill L. (husband Tom) Olson of Pierre, SD and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given to Hillsboro Public Library Building Fund, Hillsboro, IL or Stamp Out Cancer in honor of his great friend, Ronnie Wygal.

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