James Russell Surratt, 65, of Meredosia, IL, lost his courageous battle with cancer Friday, May 19, 2023, at his home with his beloved wife by his side.

He was born June 19, 1957, in Jacksonville, the son of Russell and Violet (Easley) Surratt, and they preceded him in death. James married Gena Large on July 2, 1976, and she survives.

He is also survived by three children, Tony, (wife, Stevi) Surratt of Bluffs, Scott (wife, Nicole) Surratt of Meredosia, and Krista (husband, Jimmy) Winningham of Meredosia; nine grandchildren, Emma Welch of Meredosia, Elie Welch of O'Fallon, MO, Jackson and Dallas Surratt, both of Bluffs, Alexis Surratt of Bluffs, Brodhi Surratt of Meredosia, and Channing, Charlie, and Violet Winningham, all of Meredosia; and his faithful companion, his dog, Bocephus James. He is also survived by his brother, Tim (wife, Jan) Surratt of Meredosia; his aunt, Sharon Cockerill of Winchester; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, James and Ella Surratt; maternal grandparents, George and Letha Easley; and two sisters, Becky Mueller and Charlotte Harris.

James graduated high school early so he could start a 30-year career at National Starch and Chemical Corp., which later became Celanese, in Meredosia. After leaving there, he became the owner and operator of his own HVAC business. Alongside his sons and son-in-law, he formed many relationships with his clients through JTS (James, Tony, Scott) Refrigeration, Heating and Cooling business.

He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved to golf back in the day before his elbow started giving him trouble. He and Gena enjoyed many golf scrambles with their kids. He occasionally golfed with fellow Boilermaker 484 friends and on one of those occasions, he hit a hole-in-one on the Plum Creek golf course in Winchester.

Family came first, and coaching his kids' sports teams was important to him. James coached a season of 6th grade basketball and coached little league and the Illinois River Valley Pony League All-stars. Besides coaching, as a dad, he was at every one of his children's events. James and Gena were blessed to have gone on several trips on their Harley Davidson. They spent 13 days on the bike when they went to New York, stopping at almost every Harley Davidson shop along the way. They also traveled to Myrtle Beach, Wyoming, several other states, and even traveled to Dallas, TX where they attended a Dallas Cowboys games with tickets given to them for Father's Day from Tony, Stevi, and the boys. But, as much as he loved to travel with his wife on the back of his bike, his favorite vacations were spent with his kids and grandkids. He went on three cruises with Gena, Tony, Stevi, Jackson, and Dallas, and was looking forward to going on the Disney cruise that was booked for June. They renewed their wedding vows with all the kids surrounding them on a vacation in Gatlinburg, TN two years ago when they celebrated their 45th anniversary. He was so proud to have all of them together celebrating with him and Gena. He and the boys were playing cornhole and had a little too much to drink the night before the ceremony. When Gena asked what he was thinking, he told her, "I was having a bachelor party." That is still a fond memory for her and the kids today.

The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering starting at 2pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Naples Boat Club in Meredosia. Memorials are suggested to Meredosia Rescue Squad or Meredosia Fire Department. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.