James Roy Deming

James Roy Deming died peacefully at his home in Murphysboro, Illinois, on August 7, 2022 surrounded by his daughters.



Roy was born in Makanda on May 3, 1938 to Cyrus and Bessie (Furlow) Deming. He married Joyce Lee Wright on July 26, 1958. His wife and parents preceded him in death, as did a brother, Paul E. Deming, and three sisters, Mildred Deming Tripp, Florence Marie Deming Veath, and Verna Mae Deming.



Shortly after marriage, Roy served his country as a Missile Specialist in the United States Army. As part of the Honor Guard at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he took great pride in honoring the service of others. He and Joyce returned to Southern Illinois to raise two daughters, Deborah (John) Taff of Carbondale and Tabitha Session of New Athens, Illinois.



Roy was a proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local #160 in Murphysboro for more than 40 years and a long-time member of the Carbondale Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Murphysboro Moose Lodge, and the Murphysboro American Legion Post 127.



Roy was a genuine and sincere man, loved all animals, worked hard in every aspect of his job and life, and never met a stranger. He and his wife Joyce lived life to their fullest, traveling all over the United States by car, even as far as Alaska. But his greatest achievements were the love and care he provided to his two daughters and his wife of over sixty years, and the unconditional love he had for his granddaughters, Stephanie Layne of Elgin, Illinois, and Nadia Session of New Athens, Illinois. In addition to his daughters and granddaughters, Roy is survived by three nieces, one nephew, their spouses and children, and many friends.



Visitation will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 9, followed by a service at 1 p.m., both at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, Illinois. Internment to follow at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Roy visit www.meredithfh.com.