James Kallal

James (Jiggs) Eugene Kallal, age 98, passed away May 2, 2026. 

He was born on September 4, 1927 in rural Jersey County, Illinois. As the second to oldest, he was the last surviving sibling of 13 children born to Francis and Alice Kallal. 

Jiggs married Opal M Kuehnel on December 1, 1945 in Jerseyville. They were married 74 years until her death on September 30, 2020. 

A U.S. Navy veteran, he retired from Laclede Steel Company in Alton and Southside Auto in Jerseyville. 

Jiggs is survived by his children, Jim (Judy) Kallal, Linda (Pat) Raymond, Mike (Norma) Kallal, Ronnie (Diane) Kallal, Jack (Cinda) Kallal and Susie Kallal. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 8 and a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9, both at Delhi Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. 

Memorials may be given to Delhi Baptist Church. 

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.