James Troy "J.T." Bandy of Johnston City, passed away peacefully at his home at 3:01 am on 01/24/2017 at the age of 71. He was born in Herrin, IL to Donal and Jaunita Bandy of Johnston City. JT served in the Army from 1965-1967 where he became a Buck Sergeant in just 18 months. He married Johna Riley on Dec 24, 1971. After the military, he began a career as a coal miner from which he retired, and later, he and his wife started Bandy's Pumpkin Patch in Johnston City which has just celebrated it's 30th year serving Southern Illinois.
JT is preceded in death by both his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Johna Bandy, his son James Troy (Kelly) Bandy II, grandson Draegan James Bandy, one brother, Donnie Bandy and one sister, Diane (Danny) McClellan. He is also survived by several non-biological children that he loved and guided as his own: Jackie Maynor, Jeffrey "Blister" Fann, Randy Dunning, William Warner, Abid Majid and several others that he has mentored over his lifetime. Other survivors are sister in law Pat Doty of West Frankfort, Sister in law Sharie Orr of Hunstville, Texas, Brother in law Tom (Bert) Riley of Vienna, Niece Tracey (Chris) Gallenger, Nephew Jay Doty, Niece and Nephew Angela and Johnny Robinson, Nephew John (Lisa) Riley, and many cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City on Friday January 27, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Brett Beasley officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion V.F.W. American Legion, and the Illinois Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
JT will reach his final resting place via tractor and hayride wagon he built, pulled by his brother Donnie. JT Bandy was influential and touched the lives of many. Everyone has a JT story-please come share yours and celebrate his life.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.