James Esker

James J. "Jim" Esker, 91, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his home in Teutopolis surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Memorial donations may be given to Effingham County Right to Life or to the Secular Franciscans.
Jim was born December 7, 1929 in Teutopolis, the son of Edward and Henrietta (Johans) Esker. In 1947, Jim graduated from Teutopolis High School and later married Stella C. Niemerg on October 27, 1954 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bishop Creek. Jim proudly served his country with the United States Army, being stationed in Yongdungpo, South Korea, during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Francis Church in Teutopolis and the Secular Franciscans. Jim worked in automotive sales for 46 years and volunteered on the Teutopolis Fire Dept. for 38 years, where he was a past Assistant Fire Chief. He was a 64-year member of the Effingham VFW and Teutopolis Knights of Columbus. Jim was also a member of the Teutopolis American Legion for 67 years, serving as past commander. Jim was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid supporter of the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes.
Jim is survived by his wife, Stella of Teutopolis; children, Kathy (David) Wall of Effingham, Jane (Gordon) Zuber of Teutopolis, Jim (Cindy) Esker of Teutopolis, Jerry (Lana) Esker of Charleston and Jean (Eric) Althoff of Effingham; brother, Frank (Betty, dec.) Esker of Effingham; 17 grandchildren, Holly Wall (boyfriend, Nick Burger), Alex Wall, Patrick (Julie) Zuber, Ben (Erica) Zuber, Brian (Toni) Esker, Brent (Kelly) Esker, Scott (Emily) Esker, Julie (Adam) Karstens, Michelle (Jordan) Gilland, Emily (Matt) Thompson, Blake Esker (fiancé, Janelle Medernach), Abby (L.J.) Welsh, Trent Esker, Courtney Esker, Nicole (Justin) Field, Ryan (Kayla) Althoff and Mallory (Luke) Doedtman; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rosie (Tony) Schumacher and LouAnn Niemerg.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Jim's family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers for their compassionate and loving care.