By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments

The Angels came peacefully for James Hoeszle, age 85, of West Salem, Illinois on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana, Illinois.

James was born on December 22, 1938, in Olney, Illinois to Curma and Lucile (Yonaka) Hoeszle. He married Judith Leedom on April 1, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona. They enjoyed 22 years together. On November 3, 1989, James wed Nonalene Westberry in Newnan, Georgia. James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 28 years.

James attended West Salem Grade School and graduated from Edwards County High School. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, then began a 30-year progressive career working for what is known today as Delta Airlines. He obtained a pilot’s license and flew small planes for fun and personal travel. James and Nonie traveled extensively and circled the world…literally.

James is survived by daughters Diane Stephenson, Monna (Jim) Young; sons David (Donna) Stephenson, William (Connie) Hoeszle, and Jay (Jada) Hoeszle; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Terry (Joan) Hoeszle, and Gary (Debbie) Hoeszle of West Salem, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by sister Helen (Nile) Balding; daughter Debra Lee Stephenson; and grand-daughter Courtney Stephenson.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at West Salem Zion Church. Funeral Service will follow at 4:30 p.m. A Life Celebration will be held at
6:00 pm at Weber’s Archery Shed in West Salem, Illinois (address below) with a buffet dinner, drinks and dessert served. All are welcome.

Clergy: Larry Walston

Military Rights presented by Edwards County VFW Post #8222, with TAPS performed by grandson Chester Phillips

Memorials are encouraged to the Macedonia Cemetery, West Salem, Illinois.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com. Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

  • Visitation

    Friday, July 19, 2024
    3:30 p.m. - 4:30 pm
    West Salem Zion Church - West Salem, Illinois

  • Service

    Friday, July 19, 2024
    4:30 p.m. - 5:30 pm
    West Salem Zion Church - West Salem, Illinois

    LIFE CELEBRATION
    Friday, July 19, 2024
    6:00 pm
    Weber’s Archery Shed
    1772 Co Rd 300E
    West Salem, IL 62476
    Buffet dinner, drinks and dessert served
    All are welcome!

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    8 Condolences
     
    1. Neva Walden / July 14, 2024 at 6:40 pm

      Jim was great to work with! Loved his smile! He will certainly be missed!

    2. Fairfield Coin Club. (Roberta Marshel) / July 14, 2024 at 8:33 pm

      James was a very good member of the Fairfield Coin. Club and he will truly be missed Prayers for his family. He was very endearing person.

    3. Mary Ann Scranton / July 15, 2024 at 6:17 am

      So sorry for your family’s loss. Phil and Mary Ann Scranton.

    4. Melba Myers Knust / July 15, 2024 at 12:13 pm

      Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He and I (Melba Myers Knust)) were second cousins. Our mothers were cousins and Jim and I grew up together and went to school together. We used to call each other “CUZ”. He introduced me to my husband (Gerald Knust) when we were in high school together. I spoke with Jim only a few days ago to inform him of Gerald’s passing.
      My condolences go out to you and your families. May he rest in peace and may you be comforted by God’s love at this difficult time.

    5. Curtis Ingram / July 15, 2024 at 7:00 pm

      Sorry for your loss of Jim. You have our sympathy.
      Curtis and Dolores Ingram

    6. Holly Diederich / July 19, 2024 at 6:21 am

      He will be missed in Lake Yale. We could always count on Jim to brighten any event. Loved seeing him sit, or sleep, on his front porch.

    7. Stuart Vonderloh / July 19, 2024 at 6:37 am

      We were Jim’s neighbors in Florida. What a nice friendly person. Always willing to lend a hand. Very generous in our community. I never seen anyone love sitting on their porch as him. Then after a couple years I figured it out. When on the porch that was his welcome mat.He had lots of porch company. RI

    8. Jerry and Colleen McDaniel / July 19, 2024 at 6:57 am

      We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jim. He was a cherished member of our Lake Yale Estate community in Florida, and his presence will be sorely missed. His kindness and wonderful smile made a lasting impact on all of us. During this difficult time, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

      With heartfelt sympathy,

      Jerry and Colleen McDaniel

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