F. James "Jim" Pechar, 95, formerly of
Breese died Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at his daughter’s
residence in Big Rapids, Michigan
He was born January 26, 1908 in White City, IL to Joseph and Ella
(Honus) Pechar; they preceded him in death
He married Virginia Larimer, his wife of 70 years, on January 16,
1932 in Decatur, IL, the same year they both graduated from Milliken
University, Decatur, IL; she preceded him in death on May 11, 2002
Also preceded in death by a great-grandson David Fulkerson, a
sister Mildred Brown, a son-in-law Carl Fulkerson, and a special
niece Beverly Keeling
Surviving are daughters Jo Ann Fulkerson of Hobbs, NM and Carol
Larimer of Big Rapids, MI
7 Grandchildren-Phillip (Pat) Fulkerson of Breese, Jim (Janet)
Fulkerson of Albuquerque, NM, Bill (Ashley) Fulkerson Albuquerque,
NM, Cindy Yearout of Hobbs, NM, Scott Fulkerson of St. Louis,
Melanie (Gary) Marr of Big Rapids, MI, and Sarah (Steven) Benjamin
of Reed City, MI
A special niece Betty (Virgil) Ronken of Westby, WI.,
brother-in-law William (Patricia) Larimer of Salem, IL,
12 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren and many
wonderful neighbors, friends and former students in Breese, IL.
Mr. Pechar taught school in Mt. Olive, Illinois, until moving to
Salem, Illinois where he was employed by the Texaco Company for 30
years. He then returned to teaching and retired as Superintendent of
the Elementary School District # 12 of Clinton County, Illinois, in
1974.
Jim was an avid sports fan, having been a football player in high
school and college. He later became a skilled fisherman and golfer
to which he actively introduced and taught his daughters and
grandchildren. In later years he was an enthusiastic spectator fan
of all sports and shared his knowledge and enjoyment with his
family. He and Virginia traveled extensively after his retirement.
He was also a frequent participant in Senior Olympic events in the
Illinois and Missouri area until age 91, earning hundreds of medals.
In the past 8 years, Jim was a loving caretaker for Virginia until
her death in 2002
He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Breese
Funeral Service will be Monday, November 17, 2003 at 11 AM at the
Moss Funeral Home in Breese with Rev. Francis Avila officiating.
Interment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem.
Visitation will be Monday, November 17, 2003 from 10 to 11 AM at
the Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
Memorials can be made to the James Pechar Memorial Fund for
Breese Elementary School District # 12
