James "Jimmy" Herrin, 47, of Troy, IL passed away to be with his Lord on December 20, 2012 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after his battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout treatment, he maintained a kindness and quiet strength that were truly remarkable, and he never lost faith that he would overcome the odds to be with the two people he loved most in life, his wife and daughter.

Jimmy was born in Jacksonville, IL on February 28, 1965 to Ellis and Sharon (Combs) Herrin, who survive him. He married Anne Butler (Edwardsville, IL), the love of his life, on October 14, 1989. He is survived by Anne and his beloved daughter, Courtney (Paul Koopman), a junior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Herrin of Springfield, IL, his brother, Jerry (Anna) Herrin and two nieces, Anais and Alexis, of Raleigh, NC, and four-legged family members Pearl, Ruby Sue, Ethel and Fred. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James & Lorene Herrin and Lillie Combs.

Jimmy was employed for 22 years at Manheim Auction Services in Bridgeton, MO. He had recently begun a new chapter in his life as an evening student at Southwestern Illinois College, where he earned his CNA certificate and was working toward a nursing degree.

Jimmy was a family man. He loved tending to his home and caring for his family. He was immensely proud of his daughter's decision to pursue a degree in psychology and was honored to be her father. His loving nature was especially revealed in his compassion for all animals. He was a boating enthusiast and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Above all, Jimmy will be remembered for his extraordinarily kind, gentle and peaceful nature.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Partner4Pets (Troy, IL) or Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Memorial visitation will be held 4 to 6 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012 and Memorial service to be held at 6 pm with Rev. Jim Wiens officiating.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME
Troy, Illinois