James R. (Babe) Restivo

Freeman Spur- James R. Babe Restivo, 64, of Freeman Spur, died at his home, Sunday, April 4, 2004, 8:05 AM, with his family by his side. James was born on January 3, 1940 in Freeman Spur to Cottie & Fern (Dare) Restivo. He married his high school sweetheart Doris Lynn Ellington on August 24, 1957 at the Herrin First Presbyterian Church. Including their courtship, they were together for fifty years. He served in the United States Air Force where he was trained in information services Mr. Restivo, better known as Skip by his buddies with the Department of Corrections, retired as Leiutenant in 1990 after serving 26 years as a correction officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. After his retirement he worked in the private sector as an investigative supervisor for Correction Group of America for three years. His career took he and his family to many different places in the United States. James was of catholic faith. He was an active member of the Freeman Spur Fin & Feather Club. He was a certified firefighter and volunteered his services to the Freeman Spur Fire Department. He was a member of the Freeman Spur American Legion Club. He was a quiet family man with a sly wit who, in his spare time enjoyed teasing his grandchildren and watching documentaries on the History Channel. SURVIVORS: Wife- Doris Restivo- Herrin Daughter & son in law- Mari & Gerald Hairr- Freeman Spur formerly of Durham, NC Daughter- Jami Restivo- Anna Daughter- Lori Massey- Springfield, MO Daughter- Patti Ridgeway- Freeman Spur Son & daughter in law- Jimmy James, Jr. & Melanie Restivo- Freeman Spur Eight Grandchildren: Jeri Hairr- Durham, NC Calli Hairr- Freeman Spur Toni Restivo- Anna Larry Massey, Jr.- Springfield, MO Thomas J. Ridgeway, Jr.- Freeman Spur Mikala, Jayce & Jimmy Michael Restivo- Freeman Spur Four Great Grandchildren & one on the way: Patrick Hairr- Durham, NC Marc & Derick Crabtree- Durham, NC Christian Lee Restivo- Anna Sis & bro in law- Jeanette & Arnie Edson- Freeman Spur Sister & bro in law- Barbara & Chuck Foster- Freeman Spur Bro & sis in law- Jackie & Sara Restivo- Freeman Spur Sister- Patricia Restivo- Johnston City Sister in law & brother in law- Conrad & Sharon Moss- Germantown, TN Many aunts, nieces, nephews, & great nieces and nephews and friends He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister; Mary Louise Orosco, and one brother; Joseph W. Restivo. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Harold McClure will officiate. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.