James W. Suiter, 77, of Effingham entered into his eternal life at 4:19 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, Effingham, with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Effingham, with the Rev. Robert Spriggs officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery, Effingham. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Bauer Funeral Home, Effingham. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Condolences may be left online at www.bauerfh.com.

Jim was born March 16, 1933, in Paris, Tenn., the son of Parker James and Gille (Cole) Suiter. He married Ann (Monahan) on Dec. 29, 1951, in St. Louis.

He was an over-the-road truck driver for Yellow Freight, an avid fisherman and he enjoyed sharing his talent of woodmaking with those who knew him. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking and telling stories. He was kept busy the past 29 years by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a Dad, a grandpa, a great-grandpa, a friend and a legend. His laughter and smiling face will be missed by all.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ann; son, Jim (wife, Debbie) Suiter of Downs; daughter, Janet (husband, Mike) Wade of Effingham; sisters, Carie Davis, Carol Norman and Barb Wicker; brothers, Bill, Doug, Dean, Kenny and Joe; seven grandchildren, Emily (Jeff) Guernsey of Bloomington, Becky Suiter of Downs, Amy Suiter (fiance, Nick Mayoral) of Chicago, Mallory and Morgan Wade of Effingham, Bryan Suiter of Downs and Jamie Suiter of Downs; and great-grandson Tristan Guernsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.