James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder, age 76 of Benton; passed away at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021 at the Benton Healthcare and Rehab of Benton.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Family graveside services will be held at a future date in the Claridon Hills Cemetery of Darien, Illinois.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge, of the arrangements.

James Earl Rudder was on May 13, 1944 in East Bernstadt, Kentucky; the son of Lewis Henry Rudder and Nora (Mason) Rudder.

He worked as a laborer in construction and carpentry.

Mr. Rudder was a member of the First Baptist Church of Willow Springs, Illinois.

James enjoyed riding motorcycles, listening to music; he enjoyed the outdoors. His family said he was a people person and that he never met a stranger, and he was very free spirited.

Surviving are his children: Margi Mendoza of Little Rock, AR, Jon Rudder of Winfield, IL, Charles “Tuna” Williams of Hanover Park, IL, William E. Rudder of Oak Park, IL, Robert Anthony Rudder of Rosemont, IL, James E. Rudder, Jr of Louisville, KY, April Williams OF Wheaton, IL, Lisa Lynn (Rudder) Storm of Morris, IL; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters: Sue Hall of Benton, IL, Lorena Day of Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Coreena Anne Rudder Burke; and a brother Hubert “Bud” Rudder.

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