James "Jim" Anthony Stickelmaier

On Friday, February 21, 2025, Jim woke up and stated, "I'm going to die today--but first I'm going to work a half a day." As always, Jim kept to his word.

James Anthony "Jim" Stickelmaier, 86, of Metamora, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 11:25 am on Friday, February, 21, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born on August 18, 1938 to Albert and Roberta Stickelmaier in Metamora. He married Edeltraut "Ede" Ilgaudas on October 24,1959. After her passing, he married his loving wife of 40 years, Karen Gore, on April 19,1984. Preceding him in death is his parents, daughter, Lynda Stickelmaier, his stepson, Eric Gore, and his brother, Donald Stickelmaier.

Surviving is his wife, Karen Stickelmaier; his daughters, Connie (Steve) Barber of Glen Mills, PA and Renee (Steve) Greer of Germantown Hills, IL; his stepdaughter, April (Jeff) Wilson of Medford, OR; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one sister, Judi Erxleben of Pekin, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim's family was blessed to have his carpentry expertise and love for music to lead them in their own lives. He found such joy in strapping on his guitar and surrounding himself with special friends or family as they sang the night away. Jim also enjoyed his time with Karen, fishing on the lake, working together in their garden and yard, baking the best cookies ever and making his famous Stix Mix Popcorn.

Jim began his career at Schrepfer and Martin after school each day. He eventually was a co-owner in S&R Builders and Alig-Stickelmaier Builders. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 pm on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with visitation to follow from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Burial of Ashes will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Illinois Cancer Care, 8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615 or to OSF Cardiovascular Institute, 5405 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Illinois Cancer Care
8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria IL 61615

OSF Cardiovascular Institute
5405 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria IL 61614