James Raymond Shrader

James R. Shrader, 83, died on December 16, 2025 succumbing to cancer that he was diagnosed with a week prior. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Jim graduated from Hinckley-Big Rock High School in 1960, but started his career at the age of 15 working for Dekane Equipment in Big Rock, IL. He eventually became a partner owner of Dekane, retiring after almost 60 years in 2017.
Jim served for many years volunteering for the Big Rock Fire Department as a fireman and ambulance driver. Jim also served for a time as the Big Rock Township Clerk. He was a sports fan, always attending the sporting events that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren played in, as well as rooting on his favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Watching the Cubs win the World Series in 2016 was a great source of joy to him.
Survivors include his wife Geraldine "Gerri" Shrader of Sugar Grove, IL, a sister, Sharon Carls, Geneva, IL, a daughter, Stacy (Brad) Schleifer of Black, MO, a son, Brent (Amy) Shrader of Minooka, IL, 2 stepsons, Todd Kleinstiver of Sugar Grove, IL, and Steven Kleinstiver of Dekalb, IL, as well as 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Shrader and Dorothy Walker, his daughter Shelly Shrader, and step grandson Griffin Kleinstiver.
Jim was a calming and loving presence to those who knew and loved him and will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM at The Healy Chapel Sugar Grove, 370 Division Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554, with a private burial service at a future date.