James W. Beardsley, 85, of St. Jacob, Ill., born May 11, 1928, in Malden, Mo., passed away Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Ill.

Jim was a member of St. Jacob United Church of Christ, St. Jacob, Ill. He was a retired band director for the Fox School District in Arnold, Mo. He enjoyed playing music with his bands "The Skytones" and "Group Four". He graduated with his bachelor's degree in education from SEMO in 1952 and received his master's in music education from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1961. Jim served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, and was a member of the American Legion. Jim's great passion was the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a season ticket holder for many years and never missed spring training or the Cardinal Cruises each year.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn, nee Green, Beardsley; a son, Rick D. "Buzz" Beardsley; and his parents, Cletus W. and Zillia D., nee Clubb, Beardsley.

Surviving are his wife, Kay Hoenig Beardsley, nee Becker, whom he married on May 15, 2004 at St. Jacob United Church of Christ, St. Jacob; daughter, Judi (Ken Cunningham) Beardsley of Arnold, Mo.; sons, Rohn Beardsley of St. Louis, Mo., Phillip (Christine) Hoenig of Imperial, Mo., and Paul (Tandi) Hoenig of Highland, Ill.; and grandchildren; Alexis Beardsley, Rebecca Cunningham and Amanda Hoenig.

Memorials may be made to St. Jacob United Church of Christ or Chemical Injury Information Network.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, Ill., and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at St. Jacob United Church of Christ in St. Jacob, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at St. Jacob United Church of Christ with Rev. Gary Kniepkamp officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, St. Louis, Mo.

AEBISCHER-RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, St. Jacob, Ill.