Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
D. Jumer Obituary
PEORIA - D. James Jumer, 82, of Peoria died at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born June 10, 1926, in Caledonia, Minn., to Dr. John A. and Sylvia O'Brien Jumer. He married Phyllis J. Larsen on Feb. 7, 1953, in Two Harbors, Minn. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, James (Margie), Al and Karl Jumer, all of Peoria; two daughters, Sylvia (Ron) Wicks of Peoria and Anna J. Jumer of Moline, Ill.; and two grandchildren, Natalie and Jacob Wicks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
He sailed on ore boats in Lake Superior and later to Europe with the Merchant Marines.
He operated a restaurant on the Spanish Riviera. His early experience with food service spanned the upper Midwest and Washington, D.C., area, when he opened the first chain of Chicken Delight restaurants.
He moved to Peoria in 1959 and purchased Kramer's Restaurant from E.L. Kramer in 1960. In December 1965, he announced the restaurant would be remodeled and expanded to double its size and a hotel would be built on the site. The motif would be authentic Bavarian and the drive-in service was dropped.
He retained the Kramer's name for his restaurant until 1970, when his own name became associated with the restaurant and adjoining Castle Lodge.
In 1973, Jumer's Hotels was ready to expand with the opening of a Castle Lodge in Bettendorf, Iowa; the complete renovation of the historic Urbana-Lincoln Hotel in Urbana, Ill., in 1978; the acquisition of the first Continental Inn in Galesburg, Ill., in 1982; and the French-styled Chateau in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., in 1988.
He received numerous awards for food, service, decor and accommodations. Jumer's Castle Lodge in Peoria and Jumer's Chateau in Bloomington were the only two hotels outside the Chicago area to receive the Four Diamond AAA award.
He spearheaded investment in the Peoria riverfront development when he brought his paddlewheeler, The Spirit of Peoria, to the foot of Main Street in 1988; pushed for lighting on the Murray Baker Bridge in 1991; and was an early participant in Oktoberfest celebrations on the riverfront.
Jumer's Casino Rock Island opened in downtown Rock Island, Ill., on the mighty Mississippi River in 1992. He, along with his children, was currently building a new casino and hotel on an inland site in Rock Island, Ill., scheduled to open Dec. 1, 2008.
He was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church. Private family Mass will be Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at St. Mark's Church, with the Rev. Charles Klamut officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.
Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Catholic Church or the Alzheimer's Association, Central Illinois Chapter.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for D. Jumer
rudy urban
January 14, 2024
Always had a healthy respect for the man and his accomplishments. I enjoyed dining at Jumers , it was a real treat. God bless family and friends.
George Herrman
October 4, 2008
A great loss for your family and for Peoria. I've always heard of Jumer's and realize the greatness of a person it takes to accomplish so much. He will be missed.
Sophia Eleftheropoulos- Schneckloth
September 22, 2008
My children exclaim" look there's the castle mommy worked at" each time we visit Bettendorf and Peoria. If they only knew what a wonderful education I received in the Hospitality Industry through the work of Mr Jumer...Thank you for those wonderful years in Peoria and Bettendorf.
Erica Ruble
September 16, 2008
To The Jumer Family;
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have many fond childhood memories of times spent with your family....My deepest sympathy.
ray and muriel widen
September 15, 2008
Deepest sympathy. We have wonderful memories of Jim as a friend. We were so proud of him.
Two Harbors friends, Muriel and Ray Widen.
Adler and Phlaine Johnsoon
September 15, 2008
Our sympathy to Jim's family.
We have wonderful memories of his parties for his Two Harbors friends, who were many. We have lost one of Two Harbors' finest.
Adler and Phlaine Johnson
Todd Finnegan
September 14, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mike & Judy Krueger
September 12, 2008
Our condolences to your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ralph Hatcher
September 12, 2008
Sylvia my deepest sympathy and I will keep you and your family in prayer. Lord I ask that you bless Sylvia indeed, enlarge her territory, keep your hand upon her, keep evil from her and that she is a joy to all she encounters. The class of 79 holds each other up still. Ralph Hatcher
Bobby Fuller
September 11, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.I worked for Jim for 7 years he allways treated me like family.I will never forget.
Chris(tina) Scherer (Jesiolowski)
September 11, 2008
Sylvia...my deepest sympathy to you at this time. I know your father was a good man - I have no memories of being in trouble with him while we were in high school. May you know you have always have a special place in my heart.
Brenda Carver
September 11, 2008
My condolences to all the family. Your father will be missed greatly.
Lois Lundberg
September 11, 2008
As your family knows Jim was a very wonderful, nice bright soul with a heart of gold. We enjoyed his visits & calls when in Two Harbors. My Grandson Jerod even worked on his gated entrance as one of his first masonary jobs many years ago. We have many beautiful photos of the grounds on top of Silver Cliff in the fall. My condolences to all of the family ~ Jim is missed & will always live inside the Spirit of the Heart.
Ray & Judy Turcotte
September 11, 2008
Our profound sympathy goes out to the Jumer family. We have known Jim for more than fifty years and we will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to his wife and family. God bless you.
Lisa Davis
September 10, 2008
No words can express the deep sorrow that a lot of Jumer employees feel at this time. We send to the Family our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The insight and inspiration that Mr. Jumer provided throughout my own career at Jumer's Castle Lodge in Peoria have layed the foundation that I now build upon. Thank you Mr. Jumer for all the GREAT times and MEMORIES! We will all tell the stories of your empire that you built for many years to come.
John Hunt
September 10, 2008
To the Jumer family. Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. John Hunt
Mary Lee & Bill Bitner & Scott
September 10, 2008
To Jimi & Margie, Sylvia, Al & Karl,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your father are being sent. We are so sorry to see this on the internet. Please know that our prayers are with you. We love you.
Rober Gefvert
September 10, 2008
Many years ago, when we were both much younger, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim, selling mens wear at the
Gately store in Duluth, Mn. He was a wonderful and handsome young man and a
great addition to our sales staff.
I am truly saddened to learn of his passing.
Candy McDonnald
September 10, 2008
We knew Mr Jumer from working at the Chateau for 14 years. He was a GREAT man and could not have been gracious to all his employees. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Candy McDonnald and Gary Wilson
September 10, 2008
Best regards to the Jumer family. D. James Jumers has been a benefit to the Peoria area ever since he moved here and I thank him. So long Mr. Jumer and God bless.
Frank Patroff
September 10, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Steve and Linda Heyn
September 10, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Mr. Jumer was a special man and he will be greatly missed. Please let us know if we can be of comfort to you in any way. We love you!
Ed Ostrander
September 10, 2008
My sincere condolences to the Jumer family. My first job was as a car hop at the old Kramers restaurant and continued when Mr Jumer took over. I fondly remember his "fatherly" advice. Thank you, Mr. Jumer, for your patience.
Ed Papis
September 10, 2008
My deepest condolences to the entire Jumer family.
Dianne Dahlberg-Burcar
September 10, 2008
To the Jumer Family, I did not know your husband and father but my father talked of him. You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my prayers. Dianne Dahlberg daughter of Edward Dahlberg
brenda frikken
September 10, 2008
Dear Sylvia, Ron, Natalie,Jacob and Family,
We were deeply saddened by the news of Jims death,please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time,it was an honor to know your father.Mom sends her condolences also.
Love Bruce,Brenda,Jake,Jenna,Steve and Dorothy Puent
Chris Addis
September 10, 2008
Jimmy,Sylvia,Al and Karl,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. So sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerely,Chris Addis
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in D. Jumer's name
Memorial Events
for D. Jumer
How to support D.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor D. Jumer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
