Family
AJ was the 7th out of 9 kids born to Henry Allise and Mary Elizabeth Caraway on June 9, 1923. His siblings were Nancy Pearline, Lorenzo Dee (died as an infant) Carl Larue, Delorus Lieuverna, Joel Henry Jethro, Riley Edward (ED), Kenneth Keith Kelley Calvin Coolidge, and Mary Francis.
AJ married his sweetheart Kathrine Aldean Elder on June 14, 1942 in Charleston Mo. Soon after they said their vows they were blessed with their first child, a girl, Janet Kay on March 18, 1943. Three years later, they were happy to announce that they had their first boy, Ronald Lee (Butch) on November 9, 1946. Six years later they had the joy of their second boy Jimmie Joe on April 12, 1952. Four years after Jimmie Monty Alan was brought into the world on June 1, 1957. Proceeding him six years later was their last boy Michael Dean born on August 20, 1961. On April 4, 1968 they were pleased to announce that they had had their last child a girl, named Aneda June. When Aneda was 8 months old she became very ill and passed away on Janunary 1, 1969.
AJ, Kathrine and the kids were still coping with the loss of their precious baby girl Aneda June when Kathrine became ill and passed away on February 6, 1971. AJ was then left to raise 5 kids on his own.
AJ then found comfort in girl by the name of Judy Ann Williams who just lived down the road. Their love for each other keep growing and on August 12, 1972 they were wed. There was always alot of talk because when they wed AJ was 48 and Judy was only 18. Their love continued until AJ passed away.
Shortly after they were married Judy became pregnant and gave birth to her first and his 5 boy on February 5, 1973. To AJ, there was still something missing...he still wanted another girl. It had been since 1943 that he had had a little girl. AJ prayed about a little girl and even though Judy was on birth control to prevent another child, AJ's prayers were answered. Judy found out she was pregnant and gave birth to a little girl named Julie Ann, on July 2, 1986. AJ's family was now complete.
Military
February 12, 1943 AJ became active duty to the United States Army. He served in WWII and in the Korean War before discharging on December 5, 1945. While serving in the military he recieved three bronze stars and a good conduct medal.
Jobs
After AJ got out of the military he owned his own bakery in Eldorado IL, and also helped his uncle work in a brewery. In 1964 AJ became employed at Stateville Prison in Joliet IL as a guard and a cook. He retired from the prison after eleven years in 1975. He then moved to St. Elmo and became a handyman. AJ would do anything you asked, mostly paint. He loved to paint. He could fix anything you needed fixed. He did this until he was just unable to do it anymore.
Death
AJ passed away on August 8, 2000 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham IL. He had been sick for quite a few months. He had a 4 bipass in June 2000. He just could not fight anymore and God took him to be with him in heaven.
AJ's family that is still living is:
Wife: Judy
His children: Janet, Butch (wife Connie), Jimmie (wife Cindy), Monty (wife Jody) Mike (wife Patty) Dean, and Julie
Grandchildren: Jay (wife Penny), Randy, Shannon (husband Dan) , Franky, Samantha (Pooter), Steven, Angela, Jimmie Jr., Amy (husband Josh), Tim (wife Kristy), Jason, Katie (husband Chris), Channing, and Kaden.
Great-grandchildren: Jason, Josh, Jeremy, Jessica, Jena, Jana, Justin, Jacob, Dana, Shana, Chris, Paige, Hunter, Jimmie III, Alex, Jack, Marissa, and Xander
