Jim was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. Jim graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1955 and from Millikin University with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1959. He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. He served six years in the Mo. National Guard.
Jim’s 40-year finance career started at Illinois State Trust Company, then First National Bank of Belleville, and Magna Bank Group with positions as auditor, officer, and senior executive vice president. He did income tax preparation for many years.
Jim loved all sports, and played eight years of football, basketball, and track and field. He was the captain of the track team, president of the “M” Club, and was inducted into Millikin’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim enjoyed many years golfing with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his very loving and caring wife, Geri, nee Gerling, Jolley, who died on February 2, 2021, after 57 years of blissful marriage; his parents, Thomas and Cornelius “Connie” nee Merians, Jolley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles “Ray” and Gertrude Gerling; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma and Ed Townsend; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles “Bud” and Oneta Gerling; a nephew and niece, Tom Leroy Jolley and Jennifer Gerling; and his grandparents, Herman and Dina Merians and Mr. and Mrs. Frances Jolley.
Surviving are three daughters, Jill Cason, Julie (Jay) Dinkelmann, and Jamie McCarthy; four sweet grandchildren, Craig (Litney) Hick, Alex (Taylor) Hick, and Molly and Avery McCarthy; four adorable great-grandchildren, Louis, Shelby, Wesley and Hallie; two step-grandchildren, Laura Gregory and Vince (Kayla) Dinkelmann; a brother, Tom (Gladys) Jolley; a sister, Jane Jolley; a sister-in-law, Ruth (Roger) Carneghi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice or to St. Mark Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Brian Robison officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.