James I. Tosh, 85, of Collinsville, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville surrounded by his family.
He was born Jan. 2, 1930, in Edwardsville, a son to the late Lewis and Ruby Hester (Cripe) Tosh.
James gave more than 39 years at Granite City Steel working as a laborer, engineer, oiler and switchman. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines in the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart. James was a member and past Commander of the Glen Carbon American Legion; was a lifetime member of the VFW in Glen Carbon; a member of the Edwardsville Moose Lodge; a member of the United Steel Workers of America and a lifetime farmer. He will be remembered for his unique personality and all the special times he shared with his family and friends.
He is survived by and will be missed by his wife, Judy K. (Whitney) Tosh, whom he married on May 22, 1987; his children, James Andrew and (Paula) Tosh of Glen Carbon, Edward Eugene and (Patti) Tosh of Waterloo, Jeffrey Wayne and (Kelly) Tosh of Edwardsville, and Leigh Ann and (Tim) Johnson of Edwardsville; stepchildren, Gena Evans of Glen Carbon and Sally Denise Seiber of Collinsville; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen (Frankie) Tosh; stepson, Harland Eugene Seiber; sister, Roberta Sayers; and brother, William “Bill” Tosh.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. In celebration of his life services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at the funeral home with Pastor Clint Wisdom officiating. Burial will follow with full military rites at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.