Jerry A. Barham

COAL CITY—Jerry A. Barham, 83, of Coal City, passed away Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Arcadia Care of Morris.
Born Feb. 7, 1941 in Hillsboro, IL, Jerry Arthur was a son of Arthur James and Florence (Weddle) Barham. He grew up in Hillsboro, where he completed his education and graduated from high school.
Jerry’s life was marked by dedication and love. He married his beloved wife, Rita Pfister, and together they built a home and life in Diamond and later Coal City, where they lovingly raised their sons. Jerry worked tirelessly as a machinist at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet until his well-deserved retirement. However, his natural industriousness didn’t allow him to rest for long. He began cutting grass for the Coal City School District, a role that evolved into a full-time janitorial position he held for several years before retiring a second time.
Known for his presence throughout town, Jerry could often be seen walking about with purpose. He was an active member of the Coal City Area Club and found joy in participating in activities at the Godley Park District. A man with a deep connection to nature, Jerry took great pride in his lawn and garden, cultivating not just plants but memories. He and Rita shared a life enriched by travel, exploring both domestic and international destinations and collecting experiences that bonded them further.
Sports were another passion, and Jerry was an enthusiastic supporter of Coal City’s local teams. His unwavering spirit, hard work, and genuine kindness earned him admiration from all who knew him. Above all, Jerry’s heart was dedicated to his family. His most cherished roles were that of a loving husband, father and grandfather, whose presence filled their lives with love and warmth.
Jerry Barham will be remembered not only for his diligence and community spirit but for his boundless kindness and the deep affection he held for those closest to him. His legacy of love and hard work will continue to be a guiding light for his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Survivors include his sons, Mark Barham (fiancé – Rose Gabriel), of Elk Grove Village, IL and Greg (Linda) Barham, of Plainfield; one grandson, Bobby Barham and special step-grandchildren: Hala Daramjee and Joey and Frankie Nagy; one brother, Mike (Eugena) Barham, of Elburn, IL and one brother-in-law, Robert (the late Mary) Pfister, of Arlington, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita on May 10, 2024; two sisters, Doris DeVries and Beulah Helfer and two brothers.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway, one block north of Illinois Route 113 in Coal City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Jerry will be laid to rest with his late wife, Rita.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jerry’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jerry’s memorial page online through social media.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City.