James Black

James Randy Black, 76, of Granite City, Ill., died Friday, March 1, 2002, at a daughter's residence in Charleston, Mo.

He was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Bear Springs, Tenn., son of Homer and Edna Watts Black. He and Mildred Geraldine Jones were married Oct. 29, 1949. She died March 27, 1993.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

He had lived in Granite City most of his life and had been employed by Laclede Steel Company in Alton, Ill., until his retirement.

Survivors include two sons, David Black of Charleston and Glenn Black of Granite City; four daughters, Darlene Eaton, Sherry Todd and Ruth Ely, all of Granite City, and Paula Cross of Charleston; a brother, Joe Black of Boaz, Ky.; a sister, Earlene Haynes of Metropolis, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death a daughter, a grandson, two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Chapel in Charleston.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gerald Penn officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.