James Childers, age 68, of Collinsville, IL, died Monday, July 13, 2020 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
He was born September 1, 1951 in Selmer, TN, the son of the late Roy V. and Sammie L. (Johnson) Childers. He married Diane Larson. She survives.
Also surviving is a son, Shane Joseph (Racheal) Childers; and two grandchildren: Vance Childers and Hunter Childers.
Mr. Childers was a trainer at Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville. To his family, he was the Man, the Myth and the Legend for the life that he lived.
May I Go Now?
May I say good-bye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first. I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do. It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far, I promise that, and hope you always know
That my spirit will be close to you, wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me you’ll let me go today.
For Jim, who lived his chosen life and did it his way.