James Richard “Rich” McCollum, 77, of Benton, passed away at 3:45 p.m., on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home in Benton, IL.
He was born on September 9, 1948, to James and Helen (Johnson) McCollum in Christopher, IL. Rich earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeast Louisiana University and worked as a pharmacist for 50 years. On March 19, 1993, he married Brenda Gaither Webster and she survives.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton, IL. He was a Mason at Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749.
Rich enjoyed quail and turkey hunting, fishing, playing the piano and saxophone, golfing, and in his youth playing baseball. He loved English Setters and Boykin Spaniels especially his boy, Boomer.
Rich is survived by his loving spouse of 33 years, Brenda McCollum, his son, Ryan James McCollum; his daughter, Kathleen Tucker and husband, Jeremy; and his step-daughter, Christina Wakefield and husband, Richard; his sister, Becky McCollum; his brother, Mike McCollum and wife, Tammy and seven grandchildren, Kathleen, Ryan, Jason, Jayden, Katelyn, Ricky and Eric.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ernest and Helen Beatrice McCollum and his brother, Mark Kern.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Sandy Bain, officiating. The funeral service will include masonic rites.
Private burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton IL.
Memorials may be made to the Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749 or to the Benton Fire/Police Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
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