JAMES C. SIRTAK, SR., 92, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 1:30 pm, Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Coulterville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Coulterville, Illinois.
He was born to the late George and Josephine (nee Kacinski) Sirtak on December 17, 1932, in East St. Louis, Illinois.
James married Georgia Williams on September 3, 1955, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in East St. Louis, Illinois; she survives.
He had worked as a railroad clerk for Norfolk Southern Railroad for 42 years.
James had been a member of St. Catherine LaBoure Catholic Church in Cahokia, Illinois. He volunteered his time, helping to coach his son’s soccer, baseball, and basketball teams at St. Catherine School, and also worked as the school’s janitor. He had also been a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
James and Georgia moved to Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, in 1991 and became members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. James had been very active in his new community and served as a councilman for the Village of Prairie du Rocher for two terms.
James was a Marine Corps veteran and served during the Korean War.
Survivors:
Wife Georgia Sirtak Prairie du Rocher, IL
5 Children: James Sirtak, Jr. St. Louis, MO
William J. (Gail) Sirtak Cahokia Heights, IL
Chris Sirtak (Michelle Miller) Prairie du Rocher, IL
Jeff M. (Bridget) Sirtak House Springs, MO
Cheri L. Greer (Randy Rettinghouse) New Athens, IL
12 Grandchildren: Mary (Jason) Brown, Sarah Sirtak, Craig (Elysa) Sirtak, Christie Schultheis, McKenzie (Andy Siebert) Sirtak, Ryanne (Collin) Renth, Alicia (John) Yahl, Brandon (Kayla) Sirtak, Stephen (Gabrielle) Greer, Bryan (Jill) Greer, Patrick Greer (Marietta Scarfino), and Conor Greer
14 Great Grandchildren with one on the way
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends
Preceded in death by: Parents, 1 Son – Mark A. Sirtak, and 3 Siblings – Dorothy Forehand, George Sirtak, Jr., and Helen Frey
Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Thursday, June 12, 2025
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
Officiating: Fr. Sebastian Ukoh
Interment: 1:30 pm, Thursday, June 12, 2025
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
St. Louis, Missouri
Visitation: Thursday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
Memorials: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
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