Jim Earl Rister

Jimmy Earl “Batman” Rister, 71, of Shawneetown, Illinois.  Born to Bill and Mickey Rister on August 15, 1949 was a boy who would understand and navigate life in his own way. Jim Rister, better known to those in his community as Batman or Bat, was larger than life and didn’t often go unnoticed in a room, especially if one of his own jokes made him laugh. His wit and words, sometimes shocking, shared both his humor and unique intelligence. His best kept ideas he left documented in a journal titled, The Ramblings and Notations of a Borderline Genius. A childhood set in Southern Illinois helped his love of wildlife, the woods, fishing and hunting flourish. Not many days passed in his life without a pole or gun in his hand, eventually becoming a lifetime member of the NRA. He was sound in his identity as a Marine and proud of his service in Vietnam and of others who shared that responsibility with him. He could be feisty and wild but also tender and kind, often noticing those who would otherwise go unnoticed. He was  a beloved brother to Bill (Sherry) and Alan (Vicki). He shared his Marine hood with Bill and fiercely protected Alan from all things. He was a different kind of father, leaving all four of his children with a slightly different view of the world, a comprehensive list of music and many unique memories. Rich (Gwen), Erica (Chris), Addie (Steve) and Lindsay (Brian) all carry his crazy love forward. His grandchildren found him the most interesting type of grandparent. Confused by his silly youthfulness, he was once called by his grandson “the boy with the dog named Jack.” Every trip to Grandpa Jim’s was filled with lessons and adventure through the eyes of his grands Britney, Bailey, Kobe, Hannah, Emily, Max, Zoe and Parker and his greats.  Jim recently found a wonderful woman that “made his heart flutter.” Time with Pam was something he was always raving about. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved pups, Carmen San Diego, Elsie Mae and many other incredible souls. Thor, Trouble, Ms Tildy and a half tamed opossum named Persimmon were his sidekicks until the end.  For their efforts, acts of kindness, and compassion the family would like to thank the ER at Harrisburg Medical Center, the physicians, nurses and staff at Barnes Jewish, Hospice of So IL and Vickery Funeral Home. These times would not have been manageable without his neighbor Scotty and his beloved friend and hunting buddy, Jon.  Visitation for Jim will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 10 a.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown.  The Reverend Cherrie Wilkerson will officiate the service with burial at Hogan Cemetery near Shawneetown.  Ridgway American Legion and Marine Corp Honor Guard will give military honors.