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James Spelich Obituary
Born: March 11, 1941 in La Salle, IL
Died: November 15, 2023 in Peoria, IL
Dr. James Allen Spelich, 82, of Peru, passed away in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria on November 15, 2023 after an extended illness.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Monday in St. Joseph's Church in Peru with Rev. J.A. Small officiating. Burial will be in Peru City Cemetery with full military services conducted by the Peru Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is entrusted with Dr. Spelich's funeral services.
Dr. Spelich was born in La Salle on March 11, 1941 to Louis and Mary (Klopcic) Spelich. He married Janice Adrian on June 15, 1963.
He was a 1959 graduate of La Salle-Peru Township where he played football and acted in school plays. He graduated from Dental School at the University of Illinois. He served with the United States Navy as an officer and a dentist. He practiced dentistry in Oglesby for over 43 years.
Dr. Spelich was a member of St. Joseph's Church and Ottawa Art League. He was past president and board member of La Salle-Peru Township High School for many years. He enjoyed photographing and painting, where his art was display at University of Illinois Alumni Hall. He was an avid reader and loved his family, including 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Dr. Spelich is survived by his wife Janice of Peru; five children Peggy (Dr. Mark) Nelson of LaPorte, IN, Michelle (Rick) Cinotto of Peru, Jim (Maureen) Spelich of Peru, Bob (Bre) Spelich of Geneva, and John (Amanda) Spelich of Peru; fourteen grandchildren Mark Jr., Alex, and Kyra Nelson, Zack, Colton, and Chloe Cinotto, Carly (Hayden) Hurst, Lauren Spelich, Lincoln and Harper Spelich, Tyler, Kyle, Owen, and Reid Spelich; two great-grandsons Jared Cinotto and Lance Hurst; and one sister Mary Kay (Mike) Harris of Peru.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Spelich
Sponsored by Hurst Funeral Home - LaSalle-Peru.
Teresa Yocum
November 22, 2023
Sending our deepest and sincere sympathy.
Michael & Teresa Yocum Lafayette, IN
Mary Ellen Larson
November 20, 2023
Dear Janice and family, You have our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Carol and Tom
Mary Ellen
John and Ann
Christopher
The Larson Family
Pat Rudzinski
November 19, 2023
Neighbor at the Oglesby office location gave me the pleasure of meeting Jim and Janice casually now and then. My deepest sympathy to You and family at this loss. I will always remember Jim's surprise and humility when he realized how appreciated and great his hobby of designing grand abstract paintings became.
Eleanore Bornac
November 18, 2023
. MY deepest sympathy to you and your family. So sorry for your loss. Eleanore Bornac
How you can show support
Wendy Lauer
November 18, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to your family. He was our family dentist growing up and was always so kind and helpful. We´ll always remember that tooth chair and the fun erasers in the treasure chest!! Love, Wendy Lauer and Michelle Pangrcic (Mueller Twins)
JAMES FEURER
November 18, 2023
JIM WAS CLASS MATE LP 59. GREAT GUY. GREAT ATHLETE. MY CONDOLENCES. TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS. JIM FEURER.
Kay Russo
November 17, 2023
Dear Janice and family, You have my heartfelt sympathy. I felt like I was part of your family for those 19 years working with him. I will always remember watching you kids grow up. I will never forget him and all of you! Sending my love and prayers. Kay Russo
Kristine Pakula-Kammerer
November 17, 2023
Janice & Family, please accept our deepest sympathies. Allen was a joy to be around and visit with. Our father certainly enjoyed his company (as well as Janice's). We know the boys (Allen, Ken, Mike, & David) are all together again in heaven. We will not be able to attend service in person, but will be with you in spirit and prayer. We will make a donation to St Jude in Allen's honor. Peace and love, The Pakula Family.
Jolene (Hoelzer)Martinec
November 17, 2023
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time. It was a great pleasure to know and work with Jim my deepest sympathies Jolene(Hoelzer)Martinec
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