The “Last Man Standing” from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1946, James John Threlkeld Sr., 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side, at his residence in Belleville, IL. He was born in East St. Louis on Friday, June 1, 1928, and passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Jim served in the U.S. Army in occupied Japan post WW2. After college, he worked in insurance sales with State Farm Insurance Company until the age of 70, as well as in real estate investments until the age of 85. Jim married the love of his life, Charlette, on January 31, 1953. He was a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Smithton, IL, Elks Club, and Jr Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim’s adventures took him all around the world. He also loved hunting, fishing, playing tennis and cards for many years. Amazingly, Jim and Charlette were able to celebrate 70 years of marriage January 31, 2023 with his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Son: James John, Jr.
- Daughter: Diane Marie
- Parents: Charles and Josephine, nee Wessel
- Brother: Charles
- Sister: Joan Weinel
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Charlette Ann, nee Mongan, Threlkeld of Belleville, IL
- 9 children:
- David (Monica) Threlkeld
- Charlie (Debbie) Threlkeld
- Mona (Nick Hughes) Threlkeld
- Mary Helen (Chuck) O’Leary
- Elizabeth Jo Threlkeld
- Patrick (Laura Goodloe) Threlkeld
- Annie (Mike) D’Addio
- Mike (Emma Nabb) Threlkeld
- Brian (Kristin) Threlkeld
- 13 grandchildren:
- Meagan (Mike) McGarry
- Alison (Joe) Mark
- David (Antonia) Threlkeld Jr.
- Joseph (Kelsey) Threlkeld
- Chas (Louise) Threlkeld
- Dr. Diane Threlkeld
- Charlie O’Leary
- Dr. Emily Kamen
- John (Kelsey Weinkoetz) Kamen
- Alyssa Kamen
- Vinny D’Addio
- Jack Threlkeld
- James John Threlkeld III
- 8 great grandchildren
- brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Jim and Ann (Mongan) Wachtel
- Many nieces and nephews
Jim was a tough guy with a soft heart. He loved his family, especially his wife, and was so proud of all of them, near and far. Jim was a gifted businessman and his opinion was sought and valued by many.
The Threlkeld family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to BJC Hospice and the many caregivers who have assisted through the last years. To the many visitors in the past few years, Jim is now “below the grass”. We now know he is above the clouds and always in our hearts. He will be so missed.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. John the Baptist School 109 Stoerger Street, Smithton, IL. 62285.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 pm Monday February 27, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL and Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 am at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Fr. Stan Konieczny officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
22 Comments To "James John Threlkeld Sr"
#1 Comment By Don & Margeret Bergkoetter On February 22, 2023 @ 6:53 pm
Sorry for your loss. We will remember you in our prayers
#2 Comment By Vickie Sanders On February 25, 2023 @ 6:23 pm
What a beautiful couple Very giving and faithful to their religion and especially their parish. He will be greatly missed
#3 Comment By Joe Russell On February 22, 2023 @ 7:34 pm
Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees.
#4 Comment By Kay Kendall On February 22, 2023 @ 8:00 pm
Deepest condolences to Charlotte, and Children, grandchildren and extended family members. May Jim rest in eternal peace. What a long, beautiful and blessed life he lived. 🌹🙏😇
#5 Comment By THE JUDE HOPPER FAMILY On February 22, 2023 @ 9:23 pm
Prayers of comfort and peace to all.
God rest his kind soul.
#6 Comment By Tip Belz On February 22, 2023 @ 9:41 pm
Sad to hear this. From all of us in the Edward J Belz Family , our hearts go out to all of those in the Threlkeld Family.
#7 Comment By Laurie Winfield On February 22, 2023 @ 10:45 pm
Deepest condolences to the family. So happy to have known him and to have enjoyed friendship with many of his amazing children. Rest in peace.
#8 Comment By Tony Smallmon On February 23, 2023 @ 6:41 am
Very sad to hear this news. They dont build men like Jim anymore. He was an example to us young men on how a father, husband and leader should act. Hope I can be 1/2 the man Jim Threlkeld was.
Prayers to the Thelkeld family.
#9 Comment By Dennis and Denise Meile On February 23, 2023 @ 7:32 am
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing. It is never a good time
#10 Comment By Laura/Muffy On February 23, 2023 @ 7:36 am
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. I will forever remember the Threlkeld kids calling him “Big Jim.” He was a big personality. I remember how he would take the neighborhood kids on rides on a board he hitched to a vehicle (Probably a tractor.). I know he will be greatly missed. Again, I am so sorry for your loss!
#11 Comment By Caring Professionals Home Healthcare LLC On February 23, 2023 @ 9:01 am
Praying for the entire Threlkeld Family.
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
It was easy to take care of you because as long as you knew what was going on and where Charlotte was you was alright..
Rest well (Jimbo)
#12 Comment By Pat Hrasky On February 23, 2023 @ 10:19 am
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. He was always a pleasure to talk to, and full of wisdom.
Heaven has gained another Angel.
Jim & Pat Hrasky
#13 Comment By Deborah Armas On February 23, 2023 @ 11:24 am
So sorry for your loss. I will remember the family in my prayers.
#14 Comment By Ken Powe On February 23, 2023 @ 1:42 pm
Few people leave an indelible mark on our lives. Mr. Threlkeld was one of those few for me. Since the days of Assumption High School and Montclair Drive he has been an inspiration to me. I remember thinking many times back then “I want to be like him”. I hope I have honored him by doing so in some ways. I know the patriarch of the Threlkeld clan will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him. Best wishes to his entire family.
#15 Comment By Dixie Bargetzi On February 23, 2023 @ 2:35 pm
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out for the entire Threlkeld family.
Dixie & Joe
#16 Comment By Mary Lee Eshom On February 23, 2023 @ 4:54 pm
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the entire Threlkeld family.
#17 Comment By Pat jones On February 23, 2023 @ 7:02 pm
Jim and charlette are our dearest friends Roy and Jim are laughing together now. Love to all
#18 Comment By Tim R. Gangloff On February 24, 2023 @ 3:26 pm
Charlette and family, my deepest sympathies to all, Uncle Jim will be missed. He was always so kind to me and made me feel so welcomed to the family. Jim , Joan and Julie are all together again.
Love and miss you all.
#19 Comment By Kim Miller On February 26, 2023 @ 3:34 pm
My sincere sympathy to all of the Threlkeld family. I have such great memories growing up with all of you.
Your dad was a great mentor. We are all better because of him.
#20 Comment By Jim & Terry Pennebaker On February 26, 2023 @ 6:15 pm
May our Lord Bless & Comfort the entire Threlkeld family during this time of grief.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
May Jim Rest in Peace.
#21 Comment By Joan and Jim Dohle On March 1, 2023 @ 1:45 pm
Charlotte and family, our sympathies!!! You are in our thoughts & prayers!
#22 Comment By Venessa Cooper On June 5, 2023 @ 12:44 pm
I was a caregiver for Mr. Jim once upon a time, the times I shared with him & Charlotte was the most wonderful days, we laughed, joked, played cards together, ate dinner 🍽️ together, rode around, went to the stores, etc. I once lived on the street (Montclair) that Jim opened & created, what a honor to have been in their presence,The threlkeds was the most wonderful and loving family I have ever met, my prayers go out to the entire family, God bless you all