James Eckman

James Eckman, Sr, age 89, of Mt. Prospect, IL, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. He was born in 1936 in Williamston, MI to George and Maude Eckman.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his two children, Deedra (David) Rhoa and James Eckman, Jr. (Karen); five grandchildren, Carter (Maggie) Sieck, Brittany Rhoa, Nicholas Rhoa, Adam Eckman and Annika Eckman; and two great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Philip Sieck. He is also survived by his siblings, brother Jerry Eckman (Karen), sister Diane Bartig (Dale) and brother-in-law, Jack Canfield, as well as his step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Maude Eckman; his brothers, Bernard Eckman, Ray Eckman (Doris) and Kenneth Eckman (Marilyn); his sisters, Bernetta Eckman Mears (Robert) and Ramona Eckman Canfield; and his daughter, Debra Eckman Sieck.

Having made a decision many years ago, Jim was a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived his life according to His Word.

Jim proudly graduated from Williamston High School and Central Michigan University. While at Central, he and his brother, Jerry, played football together, earning the distinction of being two brothers on the same team-an accomplishment Jim remained proud of throughout his life.

Jim began his career in education, teaching and coaching football in Michigan. He then transitioned into business management, first with the Jessup Door Company where he met and married Pennie Kay Bennett, as well as other companies in Michigan and Florida. He later returned to Michigan to be closer to family. While there, he owned and operated restaurants in that area.

Although Jim and Pennie later divorced, they remained close friends and were both involved in raising their children.

After marrying Janice, Jim moved to Mt. Prospect, where they built a life together over 25 years. They treasured their summers at their cottage in northern Michigan, where Jim greatly enjoyed fishing, golfing, spending time with family and making improvements to the cottage and grounds, where he was often seen with his chainsaw.

Through his marriage to Janice, Jim became part of an extended family and shared close, loving relationships with her children, Jim (Maggie), Dave (Lisa) and Carol; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, as well as all of Janice's extended family.

A graveside service celebrating Jim's life will be held in Williamston, Michigan at a date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Bright Hope International, 33 W Higgins Rd, Unit 620, South Barrington, IL 60010; Walloon Lake Community Church, PO Box 35, Walloon Lake, MI 49796; or The Bridge Community Church, 946 E Thacker Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016.