Jeffrey Ames

Jeffrey D. Ames, 20, of Shiloh, Ill., born March 1, 1991, in Chesterfield, Mo., died Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at his residence.

Jeffrey was a graduate of O'Fallon Township High School and attended Southwestern Illinois College. He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, Ill.

Jeff was preceded in death by a brother, Jordan Ames; his maternal grandparents, James and Florence Ceglinski; and his paternal grandfather, James Ames Jr.

Surviving are his parents, James W. Ames III and Cheryl M., nee Ceglinski, Ames of Shiloh, Ill.; three brothers, James Ames IV, Jonathan and Joshua Ames, all of Shiloh, Ill.; and his paternal grandmother, Connie Ames of Fairview Heights, Ill.

He was the loving nephew of Jane (Tony) Indihar, Joyce (Ron) Coey, Don Ceglinski, Denise (Greg) Douglas, Janet Varner (fiance, Rich Rawlings), Julie (Tim) Jenkins, Jean (Bill) O'Dell, and Bob Varner. Jeff is also survived by 13 cousins, Monica, Laura, Ryan (Emily), Kelsey, Caitlin, Andrew, Alexandra, Sophie, Luke, Connor, Lindsey, Richard, and Ryan; his three best friends, Michael, Derek, and Alex; and countless other friends.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, at St. Clare Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, at St. Clare Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Ill., with Monsignor William Hitpas officiating. Following the Mass, cremation will be held.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Ames

92 Entries

Steve Frazier

October 17, 2011

Jim and Cheryl,
As I shared with Jim at Steve Gehrs' wake, I had lost touch with the both of you over the years. However, I was remiss for not having sent my sympathies at the loss of your son, Jeffrey. My belated apologies. I will keep you in my prayers, Cheryl, and Jim, as well as the rest of your family.

N M

September 16, 2011

Does Jeff have a headstone somewhere that can be visited?

August 23, 2011

The Ames Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish we had known Jeffrey.
In 1960 we lived on Car-Lin Drive just down the street From your Grandparents
Jim and Connie. If I count back I think you would have been my 4th cousin one removed. The Ames Family and the Wimmer Family were all related.
You are in our prayers
Jerry and Cheryl (Cleary) Gregory

Terese McKnight (Cannady)

August 21, 2011

Jim and Cheryl and family, I am thinking of you and hoping that you will some day find peace in this difficult life event. My prayers are with you.

Mary Ann Mills

August 21, 2011

Dear Jimmy and Sherril,my heart is just breaking for your loss. Jeffery was my great nephew and I know he was a loved and cherished child. His Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Al and cousins Derek, Chamin and Bianca will remember him and your intire family in our prayers. Much love Mary Ann

Stephanie Feeman

August 19, 2011

jeffrey was and always will be one of my best friends. He was the most kind hearted and energetic people I knew. Everybody loved him and he loved everyone. I feel blessed to have shared memories with such a truly wonderful human being. Jeffrey, I love you very much and hope your having the time of your life in heaven, making everyone smile up there. I'll keep you in my heart forever and ever.

Becky Brown

August 18, 2011

The Ames Family,

Obviously Jeffrey's gift was a smile to everyone he knew. Such a short lived life but God has a better plan for him. My heart aches for you at this sad time. Remember that beautiful smile, for he is smiling down at you now as he is in the arms of God and beholding the kingdom of heaven.
God bless you.

Keith, Becky, Andrew and Karly Brown

Breanna fowler

August 18, 2011

jeffrey had a great heart, and if he saw how sad we all were right now, he would be upset. He would want us to celebrate his life, and that what his friends and family will now do. My deepest sympathy is sent to the ames family.... He made everyones life light up, and he wouldnt want us to be dragged down. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had a chance to have his wonderful personality and friendship in their life......Words can not express how much of a loss this is for everyone.

Bailey Bauza

August 18, 2011

I am so sorry about your loss. Jeff will be missed very much by everyone. I will miss going in chevys and seeing him with a huge smile everytime. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Grant Klingelhoefer

August 18, 2011

Words cannot begin to explain how much Jeffrey will be missed by his friends and family. He had the most uplifting personality and could bring a smile to anyones face at any given moment. I will never forget the times that I shared with Jeff over the years that I knew him and wish there could be more.
RIP Jeffrey, love you bro.

DUSTIN & JONATHAN FAVIER

August 18, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Saunders

August 18, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Ames Family.

August 18, 2011

Jim & Cheryl: I am so sorry. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Rittenhouse Kern

Dan and Lynn Barger

August 18, 2011

Jimmy, Cheryl and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers.

Amy Miller

August 17, 2011

To the Ames Family,
Nothing I can say will change what has happened. However, I hope the words of the people who loved him can give you some comfort in this time of sorrow. As you have read from many people already and surely will continue to in the days to come, Jeff was an amazing person. There was not a person who met Jeff that did not like him. He was always there to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. It was hard to resist his smile and the charming way he would engage you in a conversation. Never have I had the pleasure of working with a person so caring and warm-hearted as Jeff. I have so many memories of him and his days at Chuck E Cheese. I will treasure these moments always and hope to find comfort in remembering the fun we had together. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Shayn Graddy

August 17, 2011

I still cannot believe this is real. Me and Jeff have been friends for the past 6 years and he has been nothing but so nice to me. I loved hanging out with him and I was always happy in his presence. I know him number by heart and i don't think i'll ever be able to forget it. He changed my life and everyone i knows life in a positive way and that's how we will all remember him. I am thinking about the Ames family constantly as are everyone who knows them. To his family- you raised an amazing person who impacted the lives of many. I cant believe i am even writing in a legacy book for jeff....
:( my heart is torn and i will miss jeff very very much. I know you know if i could be up there right now i would be in a heart beat. I will come say goodbye next time i get the chance to get up there.
Tommy and I love you Jeff, I will miss you calling me Shanny.

Katy Kress

August 17, 2011

Jeffery,
Words cannot describe how much you will be missed. You will forever be remembered for your optimism, humor, and smile. I am so thankful that I had the pleasure of having you as a friend. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sharon, BB, Vijay, and Kelly Brahmbhatt

August 17, 2011

Cheryl,
I can't begin to know how you feel losing your son. My heart and love go out to you at this very sad time. I know the wonderful memories with him with help you move on each day. May your faith in God keep you strong and get you through this. May Jeff rest in peace and watch over you and your family.

The Goldbergs

August 17, 2011

The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.

We Keep Your Family Close in Our Prayers

-Gary, Leslie, Lindsay, Carlos & Paula Goldberg

August 17, 2011

To the Ames family,Jeffery was a great guy.Im so sorry for your loss and he is gonna be missed very much by all of us at Chevys.

The Gutjahrs

August 17, 2011

There are no words to express how saddened we are by Jeffrey's passing. His gentle smile and sense of humor will forever be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Chris, Rebecca, Kai and Paige

Jessie Pietroburgo

August 17, 2011

Dear Ames family,
My heart is breaking for you, for me and for every person who knew Jeff. He brightened my life more than anyone will ever know. I can still remember hearing him run up to my porch yelling my name and telling me to come outside. Every time I was around him was filled with laughter and love. He always made me feel so special when really, he was the most special, wonderful person I have ever known. Jeff had the ability to light up a room. What I'm trying to say is he will always have a special place in my heart and I will pray for your family ever day.
Love,
Jessie Pietroburgo

August 17, 2011

jimmy and cheryl

sorry for your loss. only knew jeff as a little boy. will alway remember him that way. may you find peace in your hearts.

Ray and Gerry Dahm

August 17, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

mike luebbers

August 17, 2011

jimmy and cherly, I'm so sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jill Gasawski Doss

August 17, 2011

Cheryl & Jimmy -
I'm so sorry to hear about Jeffrey. God bless all of you.
Jill Gasawski Doss

August 17, 2011

We are truly saddened by your loss. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless You. Aaron, Cathy, Melissa, and Nicholas Mueller

Chamin Mills

August 17, 2011

Jimmy, Cheryl and Family,
My heart truly aches for your loss. Please know that your family is there to hold you up and that you and Jeffrey are in our prayers always.
Much Love, Your Cousin Chamin

Megan Summers

August 17, 2011

To the Ames family,

Our deepest sympathies and strongest prayers are you with and your family, and friends right now. Jeffrey will always be remembered for the smiling, funny, and happy person that he was. He will be missed by all, but welcomed in Heaven. God bless.

Megan Summers & Nicholas Cummings

August 17, 2011

Our sympathy and prayers are with all of you at this very hard time. May God keep all of you close during this period. God bless you all. Marsha, Jim and Brendan Karwoski

August 17, 2011

Jim, Cheryl, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Mark & Rose Whitcomb

August 17, 2011

To The Ames Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. It is extra hard when you lose someone so young. He will be well taken care of by Uncle Jim.

With Sympathy!

August 17, 2011

Jim, Cheryl & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying that you will feel God's loving arms around you, holding you up during this sad time. May your faith, happy memories and love of your family friends bring you comfort.

Dick, Paula, Heather & Nicholas Kaltenbronn

August 17, 2011

Jim and Cheryl,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. God always takes the good ones early. You must have had a special son.
The Grimm's
Ron and Melanie

Mary Kay Pritchett

August 17, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. We were all saddened to hear of Jeffrey's untimely death. Know that my prayers are with you all.

Mary Kay Pritchett

Stephanie

August 17, 2011

To the Ames Family,

Though I did not know Jeff, I know how hard it is to lose a child. My heart goes out to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

meghan Ayers

August 17, 2011

Ames family, I'm very sorry for your loss. I had the pleaser of working with jeff for a short time, he was an amazing person and was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

August 17, 2011

Jim & Cheryl,
You two are the most amazing couple i have ever met. i am inspired by the way you handle situations that no one else in this world could overcome. you motivate me to find the strength in myself to be half as good of people as you are. i know that your family will make it through this. i wish you all the luck and happiness in the world. you deserve it.

Patty Wiegert

August 16, 2011

May God be with you and all your family during this time of deep sorrow and may you find comfort in all these wonderful heartfelt comments shared by so many. Our hearts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

Mary Kate McFarling

August 16, 2011

My thoughts & prayers are with you all. The Fahey family is keeping you all in our prayers.

Judy and Don Haida

August 16, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Laura Buettner

August 16, 2011

Jimmy & Cheryl, I am so Sorry for your loss. I can't believe it! We were just talking about the kids last week inSchnucks. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! l

Bev

August 16, 2011

To the Ames Family,

Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Sending prayers to you in this time of need.

Kayla Cleary

August 16, 2011

To the Ames family, I am truely sorry. Jeff was an amazing person and always had a smile on his face, and he always put a smile on others. When I worked with him, he made the day so much fun. He was one of the best people to talk to and was always caring. Jeff and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Kirkpatricks

August 16, 2011

We are very sorry to learn of the loss of Jeff. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Julie, Dave, Grant, Luke Robison

August 16, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

August 16, 2011

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jim, Cheryl and family. We will always hold Jeff in our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers...Mark, Christy, Blake, Sidney & Connor Bleisch

Nick Szwedo

August 16, 2011

To the family, and Jimmy. I wanted to express our deepest sympathy as you go through this tough time. Jeff, as many before me have said, had the capacity to make any person smile - students and teachers alike. He will be missed and never forgotten. Know that you have the love and support of all your closest friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike, Katie, and Nick Szwedo.

August 16, 2011

To the Ames, Jeff truly changed my life for the better, never have i met someone so kind, helpful, and so willing to give advice (that helps i might add). He was by far the nicest friend i have ever had and it will be so hard to move on without him but if there was one thing Jeff would want right, it would be for his family to be happy, he talked about his family with fondness from the heart, and he cherished each one of you, trust me!
-Anonymous

Barb Heinzl

August 16, 2011

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember all the ball games and happy times. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Chuck, Barb, Eric & Kyle Heinzl

Mike & Janet Hanson

August 16, 2011

We had the pleasure of knowing Jeff through our Grandson, Keenan. Jeff visited us in Carbondale and he always had a smile and great sense of humor. Keenan and Jeff were buddies and always laughed a lot at the house. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 16, 2011

Jim, Cheryl and family,

We were very saddened to learn about your loss. We always remember Jeffrey as happy and who could always put a smile on your face. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God Bless you all....
Dave, Rosie, Jake, Tyler and Andy McCrary

Meaghan Schutzenhofer

August 16, 2011

Jeffery, You are probably the one person I know that has a special way of making everyone around in a better mood. You made everyone laugh and have a smile on their face whenever they were sad. You by far are one in a million. You are truly missed by all. I will always remember the times with shared together. Your family is in my prayers. Love you Jeffery.

Mike ,Cheryl, Tyler,Michael, and Michelle Kuehn

August 16, 2011

Jim, Cheryl, Jimmy, Josh, and Jon
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Words cannot express how we feel right now! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you today and in the days ahead. Keep the Faith!

Rachel Mauch

August 16, 2011

Jeffrey,

No matter how long the time period was between seeing each other, each time I ran into you, you never hesitated to pull me into a big hug and put a smile on my face. I'll never forget the times you came over to hang out with Elliot as kids at St. Teresa. You would bounce everyone on the trampoline (sometimes OFF the trampoline.) You were the friendliest guy I know. I miss your smile already. Keep making people laugh in heaven.

To you and your family, from me and my family,

Love always,
Rachel Mauch

Linda Ivins

August 16, 2011

Dear Ames Family,

My heart goes out to each of you. I knew Jeff through the VBS program at your church. He was fun, wonderful with the kids and a joy to be around. You could not help but smile. Losing a child myself earlier this year, my heart breaks for you. Keep your eyes locked on God's, rest in Him. His peace, love and mercy will help you take the next breath and the next.

Donna Ceglinski

August 16, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss- I hope you can take comfort in knowing that you will see him again with our Savior in our heavenly home. May God carry you through this difficult time.

Courtney Ham

August 16, 2011

Jeff,
Oh my Reffrey Ames you will be truely missed by everyone. You saw the good in everyone and always saw any situation as "glass half full'. You could easily put a smile on anyones face and you always wanted me to be happy. And for you I will always strive to be. You will always have a fond place in my heart and my prayers go out to your family.
I love you..

The Lee Family

August 16, 2011

Jim, Cheryl, Jimmy, John & Josh:

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeffrey was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Dorothy Davis

August 16, 2011

Dear Jim, Cheryl, Jimmy, Josh, and Jon,

I am so sorry for your loss of Jeff, we was a blessing we will all miss greatly. He always had a kind word and a special warm hug for me. He said I was his favorite PSR teacher (wink)...I loved him dearly. May God comfort you during this most hard time and may Peace Be With You.

Greg Doyle

August 16, 2011

We pray and ask God to give you hope and strength through this very difficult time. We know the light of Jesus shines brightest in the darkest of times, we pray his light shines on your family during this critical time of need

Chuck Heimerman

August 16, 2011

James, Cheryl, my sorrow reaches out to you at this sad time in your life. Every parents never wants his children to pass before them. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck& Cheryl Heimerman

Sharon Hamilton

August 16, 2011

I just can't imagine how we would get through tough times without our faith. My heart is just broken... I can only offer you my love and prayers, and my faith in you, your family and our God.

Jocelyn Tourville

August 16, 2011

Jeff, you were one in a million. Your sense of humor was amazing, you could brighten anyones day no matter what kind of day they were having. You will be truly missed and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this hard time.

Marcee Geyer

August 16, 2011

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your wonderful son. May God wrap His loving arms around your family and comfort you in your time of grief.

M Press

August 16, 2011

Oh Jeffrey,
I will forever miss you. It was an honor for me to have known you. You've impacted my life in so many ways. I love you. I never got to tell you that.

Bobby Bauer

August 16, 2011

Jim & Cheryl
Let your faith guide you through this difficult time of your life. Our thoughts and pryers are with you and your family.

Barbie, John, Mel, and Josh Duncan

August 15, 2011

Cheryl, Jim, Jimmy, Jon, and Josh, I write this with tear-filled eyes, as I remember all of those car rides home from St. Teresa with Jeffrey and his "Jerry Lewis slapstick comedy" keeping Mel and my Josh in stitches the entire way....Jeffrey had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and at ease...our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days and those yet to come. God Bless.

Jessi Hutton

August 15, 2011

Jeff, You always amazed me with your ability to make a room light up when you came in it. You made anyone and everyone around you happy and left with a smile on their face. I will never forget you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Rest in Peace Buddy.

August 15, 2011

Jim & Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You all will be in our prayers.
Keith Mertens & Family

Jim & Donna Keefe

August 15, 2011

Dear Jim , Cheryl, Jimmy, Josh, and Jon,
Words can't express how sorry we are to hear about Jeffrey. We hope the good memories you have of him will help you in this terrible time.Your family should not have to go through this. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Shawna & Geoff Graddy

August 15, 2011

Our condolences to Jeff's family and friends. Our hearts break for your loss. My daughter has many fond memories of Jeff and grieves as well.

Bob Christina Anthony Bobby Rizzo

August 15, 2011

The Ames family is in our prayers. So sorry to hear the loss of your son Jeffrey. He will be greatly missed by us all. His smile and laughter really lit up a room. He was a great crew leader at VBS and our boys miss him deeply. They would always want to go wherever Jeffrey worked; Chuck e cheese, Vitos -even Dobbs. Our deepest sympathy to all of the Ames family. May the comfort of Christ and peace be brought to all of you.

Andy Kinsella

August 15, 2011

Jim & Cheryl,

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Ashley Schmitt

August 15, 2011

Work will not be the same with out you Jeffrey. I don't think there was a time I was around you that I wasn't smiling. You were always joking around about something & had a positive outlook on everything. I think that is why you are going to be missed so much! RIP my friend & keep on cracking those jokes up there.

Jeff Buettner

August 15, 2011

Jimmy and Cheryl,
Laura and I just heard about your son, Jeff. I thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Evan & Marcia

August 15, 2011

Our Hearts and Prayers are with you all at this unimaginable time! We Love ya all...

The Taylor

August 15, 2011

Mrs. Ames, you have put light in our lives and we hope that light will help you through this time. You are in our prayers. Michele, James, Ava, Drew and Ian Taylor

Sheila Kobe

August 15, 2011

Oh Jeffrey, we could always count on you to brighten OUR day at chuck E Cheese. We will miss you! Thanks for all the laughter with you and at you!!!!!

Erika Hutson

August 15, 2011

Jeff,
I just can't forget all the fun times we had as next door neighbors and close friends. I always say my time at Shiloh was one of the best times in my life! You were always a very close friend of mine and I cannot tell you how sorry I am for not reconnecting with you after so long. I will miss you a lot and am thinking of your parents and brothers.

Love you!

Tim & Jennifer, Timothy and Daniel Evans

August 15, 2011

Prayers that you may feel the peace and comfort given by God as you face the loss of Jeffrey.

John Tiernan

August 15, 2011

Jimmy and Cheryl,
So sorry to hear the passing of your son. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

taylor hiller

August 15, 2011

i don't even have words to explain how blown away i am, you were without a doubt the sweetest and happiest person i had ever met.. i wish i would have seen you more lately but i know you know how much i cared for u.. i will never forget all our times together and you will be greatly missed... my prayers go out to all your friends and family.. i love you
taylor

Janet and Brian Whitworth

August 15, 2011

The Ames family is in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.

Jessica Nelson

August 15, 2011

Jeff you always made me smile even when I was in not in a happy mood. From the time I met you and even when I worked with you, you always had a way of cracking jokes and making light of a subject. I will miss you. And anytime a sublime song comes on I will always picture you, Sydney, and I singing at haneys to it. Now heaven has someone to make people laugh. Till we see each other again..I miss you. Love ya man! RIP

Lindsey Monroe

August 15, 2011

Jeff you will always be remembered in the brightest way possible. You were such a sweet guy, and always knew how to lighten the mood with you humor and laughter. Im so blessed to have known you and been you're friend. Love you Jeff.

Mary Ann Mills

August 15, 2011

To my Nephew Jimmy and his wife Sherril and all the boys. Our family sends all our love and prayers in this very hard time. The Mills Family. God bless my sweet great nephew

Tom, Mary, Destin Reid

August 15, 2011

Jim, Cheryl, Josh, James, Jon. Our hearts go out to you and words can not express how deeply sorry we are for the loss of your son and brother. May God be with you in every step you take to help you get through this. We are deeply sadden. Know that we love you, Cheryl, and you've always been there for us, and we hope we can repay you in any way...you know we are here for you.

Love Always,

August 15, 2011

bnd...I forgot to add my name to my submission..."To all of the Ames family"
Amy Sharos
Swansea IL

August 15, 2011

To all of the Ames family,
Jeff has had a place in my heart as a special guy from the time I first met him as his first teacher at Shiloh. He had the greatest personality and an unforgettable smile! My heart and prayers go out to all of you. May your friends and family help to comfort you and help to bring you peace.

Don & Debbie Lillis

August 15, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 92 of 92 results