James "Jim" Cheffer

James "Jim" Cheffer, 73, of Bourbonnais, passed away May 12, 2024, at Cedarhurst Senior Citizens' Living in Springfield.

He was born Sept. 21, 1950, in Kankakee, the son of Paul and Colette (Fritz) Cheffer.

A "mostly" lifelong resident of Kankakee County, Jim graduated from Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in 1968. He and his wife, Monica Konrath, were prom king and queen; and married in June of 1971. Together, they raised two girls, Stacey and Tina. Jim enjoyed coaching their softball teams, taking them on family trips and celebrating their accomplishments. Later in life, he relished being a grandfather, protecting, guiding and celebrating his grandchildren as he did his children.

Jim was an information technology professional for 48 years, until his retirement.

He served in the Illinois National Guard for six years, from 1970 to 1976, and was a member of The American Legion.

His family said, "It was hard to go anywhere in town without Jim knowing someone - a cousin, a former classmate or coworker, a bowling or a golf buddy. And with that, there was inevitably a story about their connection to him or to the family."

Most of his leisure time was spent on the links, at the 19th hole, or shouting at/for the Bears and the Cubs. He loved cruising the Caribbean with Monica and their close friends, Linda and Jerry Funk, most memorably through the Panama Canal.

Surviving are his two daughters, Stacey (James) Larson, of Springfield, and Christina (Troy) Payne, of Vandalia; his brother, Marc (Vicki) Cheffer, of Streator; two brothers-in-law, Jeffrey Konrath, of Texas, and Jack Konrath, of California; four grandchildren, Eva, Autumn, Eli and Aric; along with several nieces and a nephew.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Monica; his parents; and his brother, Ronald.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Funeral arrangements are by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Please sign his online guestbook at clancygernon.com.