James Robert "Jim" Goetz's Obituary
James Robert “Jim” Goetz, 96, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away June 5, 2025.
Jim was born in Bethany, Illinois, on January 27, 1929, the son of Herschel and Melva (Smith) Goetz. He married Thelma “Kathy” Perry on June 17, 1950, in Indiana. She preceded him in death in 2021.
Jim served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He then began a 39-year career as a clerical worker for the Wabash Railroad. He was a longtime faithful member and Deacon at First Freewill Baptist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed yardwork, gardening, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Jim is survived by his children James (Carol) Goetz Jr. of Decatur, Larry Goetz of Harristown, Annette (Rick Blankenship) Goetz of Mt. Zion, and Cherie (Kevin) Glasscock of Columbia, IL; sister Phyllis (Russell) Ward of MI; grandchildren Megan Goetz, Larry W. Goetz Jr., Adam Goetz, Robert Goetz, Kaylee Hearn, and Jillian Blankenship; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother James Howard, and sisters Margaret Bell and Dorothy Bowmaster.
Graceland Fairlawn is providing cremation services for Jim. A memorial service will be celebrated at 1pm on Friday, July 11, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial in Graceland Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to First Freewill Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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