James Howard Tesdall

James Howard Tesdall, a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus, went to join his Savior on April 25, 2025, at home with his loving family at his side. Jim loved his Savior and his family and lived a life of faith for almost 78 years. He was born to Harold and Pearl Tesdall on May 18, 1947 in Aurora, Illinois. Jim attended West High in Aurora, graduating with the class of 1965. He later graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970 where his life as an average Christian took on new meaning as a man after God’s own heart. Upon graduation, Jim took a position with Campus Crusade for Christ at Mississippi State University helping lead a ministry of winning, building, and sending laborers into the harvest. Jim met Jane Fortenbery, his bride-to-be, and asked her to join him in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Together they journeyed to New Jersey and New York where they served the Lord with their five children living by faith following God’s plan for their lives. A desire to be back with family brought them to the Tesdall farm in Grundy County where they have lived for 39 years. Jim was employed in sales and marketing, but his passion was always reading, writing, and teaching God’s Word.

Jim is survived by his wife Jane of 53 years, his five children Abby Tesdall, Katey Tesdall Baldassano (Anthony), Gabe Tesdall (Kendel), Seth Tesdall (Amber) and Micah Tesdall (Kortnie), his twelve grandchildren, Nicholas, Johnathan, Mia, Jonah, Sadie, Teagan, Ava, Quinton, Evelyn, Graham, Annie and William, his brother Victor Tesdall and sister Jannene Alford.

Jim loved the Jesus Film Project, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, and requested that all memorials be given to them so that the Gospel may be heard in every language on earth: ”Till the whole world knows…”

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, May 3 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris, Illinois at 11:00 am with an opportunity to greet the family at 9:00 am prior to the service. A private family burial will be at West Lisbon Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and to share Jim’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815-942-2500).