Jimmy Dean Goddard
Jimmy Dean Goddard, 84, of Anna, died Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.
He born on June 20, 1938, the son of Clyde and Eva Mae Goddard.
He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1956.
He married Edna Ruth Basler on Jan. 3, 1959, in Cobden. Together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
He served in the U.S. Army. A highly skilled certified journeyman farrier and member of The American Farriers Association, he shoed horses that went on to win the Hambletonian harness horse race. Author Dick Elder wrote in his book “It Sure Beats Working” that Mr. Goddard was “one of the best farriers I know.” One of Jim’s horseshoes is on display at the Horseshoeing Museum in Oklahoma City.
Mr. Goddard was also a successful businessman. Following in the footsteps of his father, he owned and operated the Goddard’s Feed Store in Anna for over 25 years. He also built The Goddard Place Bed and Breakfast, which he operated with his wife Edna for 23 years.
In his youth, he was a Golden Gloves boxer. An active member of his community, he served as a volunteer for the Jonesboro Fire Department for many years. He was a board member for the Southern Illinois Tourism Bureau.
He performed for many years in the Union County ColorFest Show, where his skits were always sure to provide a good laugh for the audience.
An avid storyteller who was asked many times to speak, Jim performed in cowboy storytelling and cowboy poetry. His story about King Neptune, a pig who lived on his grandfather’s farm, was aired on NPR radio and can still be heard today.
He enjoyed spending time surrounded by all the beauty created by God. He loved the mountains most of all and took every opportunity to travel there. Anytime there was mention of a trip to Colorado, Jim would say “I can’t leave ‘til morning.” An expert horseman, he used those skills while working at the Colorado Trails Ranch in Durango, Colo.
He is survived by his wife, Edna Goddard, of Anna; two sons, Jeff (Teresa) Goddard of Cobden and Mark (Kim) Goddard of Carterville; grandchildren Lucretia (Brian) Grant of Franklin, Tenn., Lindsey (Miguel) Serrano of Warrensburg, Mo., Garrett Goddard, Hunter Milligan and Mitchell Milligan, all of Carterville; great-grandchildren Maddy Serrano, Harper Grant and Finley Grant; a brother, Dr. Jerry (Jeni) Goddard of Anna; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, today, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Cobden.
Friends can visit after 11 a.m. and until the service at 2 p.m. Thursday, today, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.
Memorials can be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna and the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.