James E. Degenhart

WASHINGTON...James E. Degenhart, 86, of Washington, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Washington Supportive Living complex. Jim was born on June 1, 1926 in Weston, Illinois to Wilbur and Esther (Diffenderfer) Degenhart. He married Mary E. Dearth on December 27, 1946 in Chenoa. Mary survives. Also surviving are two sons, James Degenhart of Washington and Thomas (Kathy) Degenhart of Germantown Hills; one daughter, Denise (Ron) Force of Metamora; one half brother, Bruce Redford; seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Jim had worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 38 years prior to his retirement in 1983. At the time of his retirement, Jim was a supervisor in East Peoria of the special order line. Following his retirement from Caterpillar, Jim filled his days with the things he enjoyed, especially family, woodworking and fishing. Jim had been a member of the Heart of Illinois Pointer and Setter Club, Wilmor Sportsman Club since 1962, Washington Rotary Club and Paul Harris fellow, past master of Taylor Masonic Lodge #98, Washington Jaycees, Peoria Bowling Association Hall of Fame and the Pekin Hardwood Woodworking Club. Jim also had played in the church dartball league, bowling league and enjoyed a round of golf. He was a 1944 graduate of Fairbury Township High School. Jim was a member of St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington where he had also served as a Sunday School teacher and member of the men?s prayer group. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. There will be a Masonic service held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials for Jim may be directed to either St. Mark?s Lutheran Church or the Parish Nurse Program at St. Mark?s.