James Robert Rister

James Robert Rister, 90, of Omaha, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Eldorado Nursing and Rehab Center.  He was born on December 31, 1933, one of three children born to the late Alfred and Flora (Eubanks) Rister .  James  married Fern Marie McEwen on the 24th of July of 1954.  Sadly, Fern preceded James in death on November 20, 2021.  He was the oldest and longest attending member  of the New Hope General Baptist Church.  James is survived by his daughter, Marilyn and Louie Baldwin of Junction; two sons, Robert and Cathy Rister of Norris City, William and Carla Rister of Evansville, Indiana; his sister, Alberta and Maurice T. Gossett of Carterville; one brother, John and Sharon Rister of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; five grandchildren, Brian and DeeDee Downs of Fairfield, Justin and Angie Rister of Norris City, Michael and Cindy Rister of Norris City, Ashley and Kyle Chumley of Evansville, Indiana, Audrey Gries of Evansville, Indiana; five step grandchildren, Chris Baldwin, Timothy and Kendra Prest, Pamela and Jameral Penny, Ebany Jolley and Daryl Jolley; eight great grandchildren, Lindsey and Ryan Owen, Colter Rister, Alivia Rister, Rhett Chumley, Walker Chumley, Will Chumley, Cora Gries and Vada Gries; five step great grandchildren, Riker Baldwin, Kara Baldwin, Cooper Prest, James Prest, Ellie Prest; two great great grandchildren, Janelle and Camilla Owen; brother-in-law, Eugene McEwen of Williamsburg, Virginia; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.  James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fern; his grandson, Derek Downs; his son-in-law, Rick Downs; and special nephew, Dean Healy.  Visitation for James will be held on Wednesday, April 17th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway.  Funeral service will be on Thursday, April 18th at 11 a.m. at the New Hope General Baptist Church near Omaha with Reverend Daniel Acord officiating.  Burial will follow the service at the Old Cottonwood Cemetery near Omaha.