James E. Sommers, 76, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, May 15, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at his residence in Belleville, IL.
James was the owner of S & S Tree Service. He was a Veteran in the United States Army Reserve. For the past 12 years, James happily worked at the Belleville Crossing Home Depot where they treated him like family.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Henry Theodore and Nell Ann, nee Williams, Sommers
- Brothers:
- Daniel Sommers
- Richard “Nick” Sommers
- Gerald “Jay” Sommers
- Sister, Christine Wilmsmeyer
Surviving are his:
- Wife, Kathleen, nee Garrett, Sommers of Belleville, IL
- Son, Jeffrey (Melissa) Sommers of Fairview Heights, IL
- Daughter, Jamie (Michael) Graf of Lena, IL
- Brother-in-law, Joel Wilmsmeyer of Crestline, CA
- Sisters:
- Anita (Bart) Hyde of Boulder City, NV
- Becky (Larry) Zelechowski of Fairview Heights, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Erica Rogers
- Zachary (Sabrina) Sommers
- Taylor (Nicole) Graf
- Alexis Graf
- Bailey (Luke) Schubert
- Many dear nieces, nephew and cousins
- His special furry boys, Tanks and Buster
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Funeral: No services. James chose to provide others with the gift of life by choosing body donation at St. Louis University – School of Medicine.
9 Comments To "James E. Sommers"
#1 Comment By Harold Hughes On November 4, 2022 @ 6:02 am
Honored to call Jim a friend. He will be missed. The “go to guy” at Home Depot for me for years. Knew the entire store and took time to help anyone. Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.
#2 Comment By Carole & Kenn Wilson On November 4, 2022 @ 9:13 am
We always considered Jim a dear friend. He was always ready to help. He was a long time member of Belle City Kennel Club and worked at our All-Breed Dog Shows. He was a great man and he will be missed.
#3 Comment By Michael Shively On November 4, 2022 @ 10:40 am
He was loved by everyone he had lots of friends bowled in the Thursday night league he bowled in for several years he loved his family and would have done anything for you if you needed him.
#4 Comment By Joe Bauer On November 4, 2022 @ 5:30 pm
Knew Jim for over 40 years with the 892d TC and the past several years at Home Depot , he knew he was fighting to live and gave it his all! Great sense of humor, tho it tended to be dry! I will miss him when I go to HD. Damn I will miss him!
#5 Comment By Jim and Shirley Goodman On November 5, 2022 @ 10:26 am
Celebrating the life of Jim Sommers. More than 30 years of the very best kind of friend. Hugs to Kathy and the furry boys. Jeff and Jamie and family.
#6 Comment By Mark Kissel On November 5, 2022 @ 8:33 pm
One great guy had many years in the 892nd with him. Lots of good times and memories.
#7 Comment By LIsa D Foster On November 6, 2022 @ 4:24 am
I worked with Jim back in 2016 at Home Depot! Always very friendly & alot of fun to be around! Sending prayers to his family during this difficult time!
#8 Comment By David Garrett On November 6, 2022 @ 11:26 am
We lost a good person from our circle of life. Not only was he a gentleman, more to his credit he was truly the epitome of a “Gentle Man”. As long as I live, he will always have a place in my heart and my mind. Never truly gone, never to be forgotten.
#9 Comment By Bob Corwin On November 16, 2022 @ 4:26 pm
Kathy,Jamie,Jeff I’m very sorry for your loss.Jim was a great guy who would do anything for you He will be missed