James K. Royal

May 21, 1948 - July 11, 2015

James Kermit Royal, 67, Greenwood, formerly of Martinsville, died Saturday morning, July 11, 2015, after an extended battle with illnesses. He was born on May 21, 1948, in Martinsville, to Leo Kermit and Lou Ann (Fluke) Royal. Jim graduated from Martinsville High School in 1966. He attended IUPUI and earned his bachelor’s degree at Cleary University, Michigan. A quiet and reserved man yet also brave, he actively served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Jim continued his service working security for the Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, where he earned enough money to buy his first car, a yellow GMB. After retiring from Gen Corp, Jim and his wife bought a RV and traveled from Virginia to California to several campgrounds, where they often held jobs on the grounds for the season. He was an Eagle Scout and belonged to the Escapees RV Club. He resided in several different states and about six years ago he returned to his native state, settling in Greenwood. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Kermit Royal; son, Stephen Todd Royal; brother, John Wayne Royal. Survivors include his loving wife, Linda (Tesch) Royal, to whom he was united in marriage on June 17, 1972; mother, Lou Ann (Fluke) Royal of Martinsville; brothers, Jack Royal (wife, Teresa) of Martinsville and Jerry Royal (wife, Theatta) of Illinois; sisters, Julie Lee and Joyce Gillaspy both of Martinsville; sister in law, Jackie Royal of Monrovia; many nieces and nephews and his beloved 13 yr. old carin terrier, Murphy. Military Honors will be conducted at 5pm, on Monday, July 13th, in Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia, with calling held an hour prior at the funeral home. Cremation will follow services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses c/o Light Memorial, 585 E. Main Street, Monrovia. To send an online condolence to the family, share a favorite memory, or light a candle in Jim’s memory visit www.lightmemorial.com.