James W. Law, 87, of Columbia,  born March 2, 1937, in Cairo, to James E. and Brema (nee Hogendobler) Law, died July 19, 2024, surrounded by his family at Cedarhurst Memory Care in Waterloo.

 He graduated from Columbia High School in 1955. He continued his education by attending SIU Carbondale for three years then Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. Upon completion of his higher education, James enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1960 to 1962.  After his commitment with the Army was complete, James returned to the civilian world and started his working career in the funeral home profession.  

In 1964 he began his 35-year career for the Illinois Department of Children & Family Service, beginning as a case worker in the field and retired in 1999 holding the title of assistant administrator. 

James and Rosemary (nee Descher) were married on Aug. 6, 1966, at Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia. 

 His community was important. He served on the city planning commission and zoning board of appeals. He was an assistant Monroe County Coroner from 1996 to 2000, a 50-year member of the Columbia Lions Club and a 60-year member of the Scottish Rite.  

In his free time he enjoyed fishing and frying up his catch for the Descher clan.  They embraced this “only child” into their large, fun-loving and caring family.  While he was not a good poker player, he enjoyed playing hand and foot anytime he could.  

After learning and perfecting his saxophone skills in grade school and high school, he would occasionally take it out and play for his various dogs and loved to hear them howl.  

His visits to estate and garage sales led to him becoming an antique clock collector.

But above all else was his love of family.  Yearly family vacations were a must. He and Rosie traveled to many countries upon retirement. The 16 years spent wintering in Florida allowed Christmas and “anytime opportunities” for the kids to come and visit them.

 In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Lisa (Scott) Gilbreth of Columbia, son Steve (Nadia) Law of Littleton, Colo., along with grandsons Alex, Andrew and Jacob Gilbreth.

A celebration of life service will be 2-5 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Principal Hotel in Columbia.

Private burial services will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Columbia. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Hospice of Southern Illinois, Belleville; or Immaculate Conception Church Campus Enhancement Project, Columbia.