James Edward True, age 89, of O'Fallon, Ill., born January 24, 1932 in Decatur, Ill., the only child of Willard Edward and Mary Agnes, nee Ryan, True, passed away December 21, 2021, due to complications from heart valve surgery at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

Ed grew up in Peoria, a member of First Christian Church and of DeMolay International. Growing up, he was very active in numerous sports.  He attended Peoria Manual High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He began his life of service in high school, joining Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Bradley University where he earned his B.S. Degree (General Business). He later earned two M.S. Degrees from USC (Education and Systems Management).

Ed began his active duty in the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant after completing the ROTC program at Bradley.  He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired after 21 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Ed held numerous positions following his Air Force career. He spent 11 years as President of Money Matic Corporation where he introduced the electronic funds point-of-sale system to the St. Louis area. He served as the President of the Ball Park Sports Center for 14 years where he brought indoor soccer and softball to the O'Fallon area. In 1996 he began a 24-year teaching career as a professor of Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing. Institutions included Bradley University, Fontbonne University, Lindenwood University, McKendree University, SIUE, SLCC, SLU, and SWIC.

Many organizations benefited from Ed's passion to serve.  Locally they include City of O'Fallon, Ward 2 Alderman, O'Fallon Boosters, School Board (Districts 90 and 203), O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts (Pack 35/Troop 46), Junior Achievement, Rotary, USO, YMCA Corporate Board, Military Officers Association, Southwestern Illinois Senior Olympics, O'Fallon Community Food Pantry, O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, St. Louis Sports Commission and St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. Beyond the St. Louis area they include Boy Scouts of America, Bradley University Alumni, Leukemia Society, Illinois Board of Education, Illinois State Senior Olympics and Rotary International Exchange Student Correspondent.

Ed and Myrna were united in marriage on November 29, 1966 in Basel, Switzerland. He is survived by Myrna, nee Monday, True of O'Fallon; children Eric (Stephanie) True of Swansea, Todd (Jacqueline) True of O'Fallon, Lynn (Al Bernard) True of Mora, Minn., Brian (Lucinea) True of Williamsburg, Va., and Karol (Isadore) Rocha of Mariposa, Calif.; eight grandchildren Michelle (Andy) Kassing, Scott True, Kelsey (TJ Atwood) True, Kristianne (Chris) Baumann, Ryan True, Owen Lehr, Evan Lehr, Clayton Lehr; and five great-grandchildren Lexa Nash, Kaelyn True, Gavin True, RJ Kassing and Lilly Baumann.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested payable to the O'Fallon First United Methodist Church or the O'Fallon Community Food Pantry. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

The family will receive friends from 3 – 8 pm, Sunday, January 2, 2022, at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon , and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Funeral Service will begin at 11 am, Monday, January 3, 2022, at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon , with Pastor Don Long, Jr., and Pastor Brad Lewis officiating.