James R. Mayer

James R. Mayer, 73, baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection and fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Jim was born on August 11, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri to Fred "Sonny" and Helen Mayer and raised in Florissant. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Mayer.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Diane (née Heckenkamp) Mayer; his children Michael (Tori) Mayer of Carmel, Indiana, Holly (Cristian) Andronicescu of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Kelly Mayer of St. Charles, Missouri; his grandchildren Helen, Abigail and Jonathan; and his in-laws Barb (Steve) Ross, Nancy (Gerry) O'Donnell, Tracy Heckenkamp and the late Jay (Diane) Heckenkamp. He remains dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Faith was most important to Jim as a devout Catholic. He was optimistic, fearless, hard-working, entrepreneurial, athletic, and resilient. He was a dedicated coach for youth sports teams and Boy Scout leader. He loved baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals, playing corkball, and cheering on the St. Louis Blues. He enjoyed managing and expanding the baseball card collection he started as a boy.
Jim always looked forward to spending time with his family and friends. He was a proud Descendant of Nellie Fogarty and was an enthusiastic participant in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown St. Louis. He enjoyed taking his family on vacation, particularly to Chicago where his family had roots. Jim also enjoyed playing golf and participating in the fantasy baseball league with his lifelong friends. He was famous for his home-made pizzas.
Jim attended Sacred Heart grade school in Florissant and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He obtained a degree from Southwest Missouri State University where he joined Phi Sigma Epsilon. Jim had successful careers with Carondelet Foundry, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and other businesses he owned and managed.
Jim believed there were three priorities in life in rank order: God, family, and vocation
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Monday, June 16, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 221 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, Missouri 63301. Interment to follow at Our Lady Cemetery, 8701 Orf Rd., Lake St. Louis, Missouri 63367.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:
Willows Way
800 Friedens Road
St. Charles, MO 63303
https://willowsway.org/about/donate/
Please indicate that gifts are in memory of Jim Mayer on any checks or in the notes section of the online form.