James L. Zumbahlen (77) of Effingham

Our beloved, James L. Zumbahlen, 77, of Effingham, IL passed away peacefully at the home he built in Lake Edward Estates on Monday, February 10, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers & gifts, memorials may be made to the Effingham Unit 40 Education Foundation to fund his scholarship, Sacred Heart School, or St. Anthony Church in Effingham.

James was born on September 29, 1947 in Dieterich, IL the son of Norbert & Viola (Habing) Zumbahlen. He married Peggy D. Starwalt daughter of Delbert and Virginia (Watkins) Starwalt on August 2, 1969 & she preceded him in death on December 24, 1994. James spent thirty-three years teaching woodworking & construction skills at Effingham High School. He also started the work /study co-op program in Effingham & Altamont high schools. Jim shared not only his knowledge, but his work ethic with many students over his long career. He loved sharing his talent & passion for woodworking & home building. His students had many job training experiences in various projects from sheds to garages to homes. The largest undertaking was the three-year renovation of Effingham’s Garnet Hall/Austin Mansion. In collaboration with Newlin Martin, Jim & his construction skills classes restored the house to its original Victorian state. After his retirement from teaching in 2002, Jim built and renovated houses throughout Effingham. He later bought Lustig Custom Cabinets which is now run by his daughter, son-in-law and son. Numerous people in the area have benefited from Jim's talent as he built, repaired, remodeled & crafted items for their homes. Jim was known for his friendly, giving & easy-going nature. He loved being surrounded by family & friends. He enjoyed dining & traveling with Tracy Tuman, his loving friend of 30 years. He especially loved Las Vegas, gambling with his buddies & driveway hang-outs with friends & neighbors. He will be remembered for his witty, fun spirit.

James is survived by his friend Tracy Tuman, daughter Kimberly (Michael) Stanfield of Effingham, son Rhett Zumbahlen (Michelle Jeffries) of Effingham, & son Blake (Kendra) Zumbahlen of Effingham. James has 8 grandchildren; Cole, Taylen, & Khye Stanfield, Brenden & Addie Zumbahlen, Bo, Hadyn, & Ronan Zumbahlen. He’s survived by one brother, Kenny (Karen) Zumbahlen of Jacksonville, IL & sister-in-law Alice Zumbahlen of Dieterich, IL. He has several surviving nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy, his brothers Larry Zumbahlen & Bob Zumbahlen, & his niece Amy (Zumbahlen) Tolch.