James Francis "Jim" Thoele (73) of Largo, Florida, formerly of Teutopolis

James Francis "Jim" Thoele, 73, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Teutopolis died on April 23, 2016 in Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Saturday, May 14 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lillyville with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Matthew Church at 9111 90th Avenue North, Largo, FL 33777.

He was born in Teutopolis, where he lived until moving to Florida in 1965. He retired in 2005 from Trevor-Martin Corp. He was an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races over the years. He lived in Florida, not far from Daytona and attended races there for several years. Recently, he would watch them on TV, rarely missing a race. He was a member of Effingham Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Elks of Largo and was an active member of St. Matthew Church in Largo.

Survivors include his wife of more than 52 years, Pat (Walls) Thoele...sisters, Dorothy Ruholl and husband Allie of Lillyville and Theresa Glant of Lakeland, Florida...and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alph and Emma Thoele...brothers, Clarence, Harold and John...and sisters, Pauline Gobczynski, Elvira Habing and Jane Ruholl...sister-in-law, Catherine Thoele...and brothers-in-law, Leo Gobczynski, Pat Habing and Leonard Ruholl.