James "Buddy" W. Naughton

James “Buddy” W. Naughton, 79 of rural Grand Ridge passed away Monday (October 14, 2019) at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 – 7 PM at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:45PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at the St. Michael the Archangel Church.  Burial will be in St. Andrews Cemetery in Farm Ridge Twp.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Keith Girard, Jack Soulsby and Greg Durdan.  Active pallbearers will be Matthew Bauer, Clay, Mason and Kennedy Cargola, Dan Naughton, Terry Pezanoski and Steve Durdan.

Buddy was born on August 6, 1940 in Streator to James V. and Elizabeth (Frings) Naughton.  He married Blanche Story on July 29, 1977.  She survives.

Also surviving are daughter Debra (Anthony) Cargola of Hinckley, son Kevin Naughton of Grand Ridge, grandchildren; Matthew Bauer, Clay, Mason and Kennedy Cargola, sister Catherine (Bob -deceased)Pezanoski of Peru, brothers Thomas (Joanne) Naughton of Grand Ridge and Gary Naughton of Grand Ridge and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Dawn Bauer and a nephew Chuck Pezanoski.

Buddy attended Grand Ridge Grade School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1958.  He farmed his whole in the Grand Ridge area.  Buddy enjoyed going to auctions, visiting with friends, working on antique tractors, attending 4H Fairs, Thresherman’s Reunion in Pontiac and was affiliated with the Antique Tractor Club.  He was a former member of the former St. Stephen’s Church.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department or to the Ottawa or Streator F.F.A.