James Edward "Frenchy" French (62) of Sainte Marie

James Edward “Frenchy” French, age 62, of Sainte Marie, Illinois, passed away at 12:00 PM – Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The burial will be in the Mound Cemetery near Willow Hill, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until service times. In loving memory of Jim, memorials may be made to the Sainte Marie American Legion Post #932 – Christmas for Veterans Fund. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

James Edward, better know as Jim or Frenchy, was born on July 18, 1961, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of William Edward and Gladys Rosalie (Gillaspie) French.  He graduated from Oblong High School with the Class of 1979.  Jim owned and operated Cortelyou Machine and Welding in Oblong for several years.  He later became the co-owner of The Hill Bar southeast of Sainte Marie.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, pool, foosball, fishing, and was a grand champion winner at playing Space Invaders.  He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan.  Jim enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and taking rides in the bottoms on his 4 wheeler and side by side.

Jim is survived by: Children – Lisa French of Corpus Christi, Texas and Eric (Whitley) French of Columbus, Ohio; Siblings – Jeff (Brenda) French of Stockbridge, Georgia and Jodi (Terry) Krick of Willow Hill, Illinois

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.