James Warren "Jim" Naftzger

1943 - 2025

James "Jim" Warren Naftzger
Born: September 21, 1943 in Moline, IL
Died: November 29, 2025 in Erie, IL
JAMES "JIM" WARREN NAFTZGER, 82, of Erie, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, 1500 10th Ave, Fulton, IL. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the funeral home, with Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. Burial to follow at the Fulton Township Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the Erie Ambulance Memorial.
Jim was born in Moline, IL, on September 21, 1943, to Warren and Ruth (Peterson) Naftzger. He graduated from Erie High School in 1961 and married his partner for life, Beverly Temple, on May 17, 1963. Coming from a long line of farmers, Jim proudly continued the family tradition, farming in rural Albany and Fenton for 27 years. He often shared stories of his childhood on the farm memories he recounted with humor, humility, and gratitude for the simple things that shaped him.
Alongside farming, Jim dedicated 46 years to Erie Foods International, where he served as a plant and production manager until retiring in 2021. His work ethic was steady and unwavering. He led by example and quietly showed what responsibility and integrity truly looked like.
Deeply committed to his Christian faith, Jim was an active member of Newton Zion Reformed Church and Erie Evangelical Free Church. His faith guided how he lived and how he cared for others.
Jim was a kind and compassionate man. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel important-whether it was a long conversation in the living room or a quick chat at the kitchen table, he always cared about what you had to say. He listened with sincerity, spoke with gentleness, and carried a peaceful presence that made everyone around him feel seen and valued.
A natural storyteller, Jim loved reflecting on the day's events and sharing memories from the farm or from his decades at Erie Foods. He cherished time with his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He celebrated their victories wholeheartedly and offered comfort and encouragement in their disappointments. His quiet strength, patience, and unfailing support made him a constant source of love in their lives.
Jim set an incredible example of what it meant to be a good husband and father. He loved Beverly with deep devotion for 62 years, and together they built a family grounded in faith, hard work, and love.
Jim is survived by his wife Beverly; sons, Neil (Krista) Naftzger of DeKalb, IL, and Jeff (Shelly) Naftzger of Prophetstown, IL; daughter, Lisa (Robert) Deines of Port Byron, IL; ten grandchildren, Katie (David) Johns, Sydney (Dustin) Forbes, Sam Naftzger, Brody Naftzger, Will Naftzger, Caleb Naftzger, Carter Deines, Derek Naftzger, Linnea Naftzger, and Stella Deines; three great-grandchildren, David Johns, Scarlett Johns, and Walker Johns; and sisters, Sharon (Dennis) Bicker and Marilyn Schaver, both of Albany, IL.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Beth Redell and his parents, Warren and Ruth Naftzger.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com