Jimmy D. Goddard

     Jimmy Dean Goddard, age 84 of Anna, died Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. He born June 20, 1938 to Clyde and Eva Mae Goddard. He graduated from Anna Jonesboro High School in 1956. Jimmy married Edna Ruth Basler on January 3, 1959 in Cobden, IL. Together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

     Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. A highly skilled certified journeyman farrier and member of The American Farriers Association,

     Jim shoed horses that went on to win the Hambletonian harness horse race. Author Dick Elder wrote in his book It Sure Beats Working that Jim was “one of the best farriers I know”. One of Jim’s horseshoes is on display at the Horseshoeing Museum in Oklahoma City.

     Jim was also a successful businessman. Following in the footsteps of his father, Jim owned and operated the Goddard’s Feed Store in Anna, Il for over 25 years. He also built The Goddard Place Bed and Breakfast, which he operated with his wife Edna for 23 years. In his youth, Jim was a Golden Gloves boxer. An active member of his community, Jim served as a volunteer for the Jonesboro Fire Department for many years. He was a board member for the Southern Illinois Tourism Bureau. He performed for many years in the Union County Colorfest Show, where his skits were always sure to provide a good laugh for the audience. An avid storyteller who was asked many times to speak, Jim performed in cowboy storytelling and cowboy poetry. His story about King Neptune, a pig who lived on his grandfather’s farm, was aired on NPR radio and can still be heard today.

     Jim enjoyed spending time surrounded by all the beauty created by God. He loved the mountains most of all and took every opportunity to travel there. Anytime there was mention of a trip to Colorado, Jim would say “I can’t leave ‘til morning. An expert horseman, Jim used those skills while working at the Colorado Trails Ranch in Durango, Colorado.

     Jim is survived by his wife, Edna Goddard, of Anna; two sons, Jeff (Teresa) Goddard of Cobden and Mark (Kim) Goddard of Carterville; grandchildren Lucretia (Brian) Grant of Franklin, TN, Lindsey (Miguel) Serrano of Warrensburg, Mo. Garrett Goddard, Hunter Milligan and Mitchell Milligan all of Carterville; great-grandchildren Maddy Serrano, Harper Grant and Finley Grant; brother, Dr. Jerry (Jeni) Goddard of Anna; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Cobden. Friends may visit after 11:00 a.m. and until the service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Jimmy to The Anna Veteran’s Home and The Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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