James R. Close

James R. Close, age 88, of Maryville, IL, formerly of Edwardsville, IL, passed away at his residence on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Maryville.  Jim was born on March 2, 1936, in Edwardsville, IL, the son of the late Oscar & Catherine (Kreuiter) Close. Jim married Suzanne (Wilson) Close on February 16, 1957, until she preceded him in death on May 6, 1997, after 40 years of marriage.  Jim then married Eleanor “Ellie” (Lisciandira) Fultz on November 11, 2000, in Tucson, AZ.  Jim is survived by two sons, Dr. James M. Close & his wife Mary, of O’Fallon, MO, and Robert E. Close, of St. Peters, MO; three stepsons, Kent Fultz & his wife Lisa, of Edwardsville, IL, Chirs Fultz, of Edwardsville, IL, and Brad Fultz, of Edwardsville, IL; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.  Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Arvola Close. Jim owned and ran Montclaire Hardware in Edwardsville for over 20 years before moving over to hardware sales.  Jim was an avid golfer and was a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville, IL.  A visitation will be on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 10:00 am at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville with Fr. Rob Johnson presiding.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. The family suggests memorials to Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church or Metro East Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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