Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James ESSLINGER Obituary
James "Jim" F. Esslinger
SHERMAN - James "Jim" F. Esslinger, 80, of Sherman died at 5:19 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center.
He was born Aug. 21, 1932, in Springfield, to John James and Sarah Marrin Esslinger. He married Connie Long on June 18, 1955, and she survives.
Also surviving are one son, David J. (Leslie) Esslinger of Alto Pass, Ill.; one daughter, Susan "Sue" (John) Kunz of Springfield; two grandchildren, Sarah (Patrick) Sullivan and Jennifer (Alex) Davenport; three great-grandchildren; one brother, John "Jack" (Pat) Esslinger of Springfield; one sister, Mary Anne (Anthony) Ramos of Gurnee, Ill., and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents preceded him in death.
Jim was a US Navy veteran serving as a Seabee during the Korean War era and helped build Subic Bay Air Field in the Philippine Islands. He was a member of St. Aloysius Church and Knights of Columbus #4175. He enjoyed his family, golf, making raisin pie and caramels. He was an avid Packers and Red Sox fan. He was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School.
He was co-owner of Esslinger Masonry; was one of the ten original founding owners of King Pin Lanes; was a licensed Real Estate Broker and co-owner of Esslinger Real Estate and worked for the State of Illinois Secretary of State as the head of leasing of Drivers Services Facilities.
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at Staab Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at St. Aloysius Church with Monsignor Carl Kemme officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Share stories, pictures, Facebook and Twitter at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James ESSLINGER
January 12, 2013
Connie- so sorry, Jim was wonderful person--Paula and Tom Denny
January 10, 2013
Dear Connie, I will always remember Jim as a big happy teddy bear that you always want to hug. I will miss him. Irene Pasley
January 7, 2013
Connie so sorry to hear of Jim's passing .You are in my prayers.
Theres Svetlik
tom goldstein
January 7, 2013
Dave and family sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Wagner
January 7, 2013
Connie, Dave and Sue I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
Jim Castelletti
January 7, 2013
I'm very sorry for your loss. I had breakfast with him and his brother Jack every tuesday and I've never known a nicer gentleman. I will miss him.
Dick Kuznik
January 6, 2013
Connie, so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. You have my deepest sympathy.
Con & Lenore Rourke
January 6, 2013
We remember him from the last time we saw him over 50 years ago. The hair was dark - the smile - just the same.
Good bye friend.
January 6, 2013
Dave, i'm so sorry for your loss. love marie. my prayers are with you
January 6, 2013
Connie and family so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and yours.
Addie and Mike Copelin
Georgia Hagmann
January 6, 2013
Dave - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your dad meant a lot to you. I lost my dad in November, so I know the pain you must be feeling. My prayers are with you.
- Georgia
Pat, Amy, Nick and Emily Capranica
January 6, 2013
What a great, gentle man Jim was - we will never forget him. You know I love you dear Connie...always so positive and upbeat in the most trying situations. Our hearts break for you.
Tracy Houser
January 6, 2013
Connie and Family- I am so sorry for you loss. Jim was a Great Little League Coach,Jim show us how to play baseball and the love for the game as well, teaching us how to do the rite thing in life. THANK YOU COACH, Your CENTERFIELDER of the FLEETWOOD !!
January 6, 2013
Connie, Dave, Sue and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I had only met James a couple of times, but I know how much my dear daughter-in-law, Sarah, loved her Pawpaw. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ann & Dan Gaston
Larry Bullock
January 6, 2013
Rest in Peace my friend,
Jim was a "one of a kind" friend! I have never met a better man and I love him. We made memories that I will never forget and I will miss him. We haven't been in touch for years, except in my heart, but I knew Jim understood.
Connie, Dave and Susan please know I feel your loss.
Larry Bullock
Greg Boston
January 6, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy,i worked with him on many construction sites,he will be missed by all who knew him.
Greg and Kathy Boston
Ft.Myers Florida
Yvonne Luong
January 5, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Mike (Michelle) Kovarik (Buerkett)
January 5, 2013
Connie, Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss we absolutely loved Jim. Please accept our deepest sympathies, our prayers will be with you and your family.
HANK PETRILLI
January 5, 2013
Connie and family -my deepest sympathies to you-you and Jim are in my prayers. He was indeed a gentleman!
Bob Denny
January 5, 2013
Jack and family: We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Bob&Cindy Denny
Kenny Fults
January 5, 2013
Connie, David, Susan, Jack and Family, I give you my sincerest sympathies in Jim's passing. I remember Jim well, and all the good times we had together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Klein
January 5, 2013
Connie & Family-
So sad to hear of Jim's passing. Please accept my deep and sincere sympathy. May many wonderful memories, give you strength in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Margaret (Bracco) Leckrone
January 5, 2013
Connie, my thoughts and prayers are with u and your family at this time. God be with u.
Marjorie (Tapocik) Schwager
January 5, 2013
Connie - We are so sorry to read of the loss of Jim. The brick work on our home will be an everlasting memorial to Jim and his talent. He was such a good person. God bless your family. Sorry we cannot express our sympathies in person. Walt & Marj Schwager
January 5, 2013
Connie; So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good guy and will be sadly missed.My prayers are with you. Linda Antonacci
January 5, 2013
Connie. So sorry for your loss. Jim was a good guy and will be sadly missed. Your in my prayers. Linda Antonacci
January 5, 2013
Jim was a great guy and good friend to my Dad Bob Groesch. To Connie and family my God confort you during this time.
Sincerely, Rita Hooss
PAUL COX
January 5, 2013
JIM WAS A GREAT GUY AND MY ASSOCIATION WITH HIM AT THE SOS OFFICE IN THE 1980S HAS NEVER BEEN FORGOTTEN.
Patty (Schoeneberg) Peterman
January 5, 2013
Dave and family - so sorry to hear about your loss. You have my sympathy.
Tom and Jan Armstead
January 5, 2013
God Bless you Jim and all your family.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in James ESSLINGER's name
Memorial Events
for James ESSLINGER
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor James ESSLINGER'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
