James "Jim" C. Lard, 78, of Urbana passed away at 4:58 P.M. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, Urbana. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 1:00- 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date after cremation rites are accorded.

James was born on September 12, 1936 in Pawnee, Illinois to parents Earl and Mary (Evans) Lard. They preceded him in death. On January 30, 1960, James married Mary Louise Fay in Springfield, Illinois. She passed away on February 8, 2008.

Jim is survived by his four children, James (Melinda) Lard of Fowlerville, Michigan, Joseph (Rosie) Lard of Urbana, Michael (Julie) Lard of Urbana, Pamela (Albert) Hoskins of Colorado Springs, Colorado, six grandchildren, brothers, Bob Lard and Pete (Pattie) Lard and sisters, Rose (Ed) Buckles and Minnie Karnes.

He was preceded in death by one brother, George Lard and two sisters, Neta Hodges and Barb Lard.

Jim graduated from Pawnee High School; he then joined the United States Air Force. He worked for Illinois Bell/ Ameritech/ AT&T as a lineman and a cable repairman for over thirty years before retiring. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and the Elks.

Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinal's fan. He enjoyed having breakfast at the Apple Dumpling, and spending time uptown at Bunny's and the American Legion with his friends. Jim always looked forward to his annual hunting trip to Rushville with his sons. Jim enjoyed reading a good book and his trips to the Urbana Free Library.

Memorial Contributions may be made in James' memory to the Cunningham Children's Home.