James R. Cather

Carbondale - James Robert Cather died peacefully at home August 29, 2016. Jim was born July 23, 1930 in Kansas City, Mo. to Ruth Leola Jones and Eddie Vaughn Cather. Jim served in both the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army and attended the U.S. Naval Academy.



Jim completed an Electrical Engineering degree in 1958 at the University of Oklahoma. Jim lived in Arlington, Texas from 1963 to 2003 where he was employed by LTV, retiring in 1990 after 26 years of employment. During that time, he developed equipment for the Apollo service module which was used for trips to the moon. He also helped design the first DFW airport people mover.



Jim married Willa Beth Stewart in Norman OK in 1956. She preceded him in death in 1997. He married Lilly Hamlet Crane in 2004. She survives of Carbondale. Jim is survived by his son Bryan of St. Louis, Stepsons Jim (Donna) Crane of Makanda, Mike (Audrey) Crane of Houston and stepgrandson Brady (Stephanie) Crane and step great grand-daughter Hensley.



Jim was a world traveler, having visited six continents. He also enjoyed playing bridge and square dancing He was a proud member of Mensa. Jim was a card carrying member of the Cherokee Nation and was included on the official "rolls."



A time of visitation for remembrance will be on Saturday, September 3, from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale or St. Francis Care Animal Shelter.