Final Salute

Bro. James “Jim” Kenneth Mayer, age 88, of Marion, IL, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 2:58 p.m. at his home.

He was born on June 19, 1936 in Lilbourn, MO, a son to Guy William and Esther Lillian (Barrett) Mayer.

Jim was raised in Makanda, IL and attended Carbondale Schools. He proudly served his nation in the United States Navy as a Seabee during the Korean War era. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged.

On January 19, 1962 he was united in marriage to Nell Marie Wollard at her cousin’s home in Marion. Together they have shared over sixty-two years of marriage.

In 1965, Jim was ordained a Minister of the Gospel, and he and his wife helped to organize and start Messiah Christian Church of Marion. Jim was an avid reader and loved to study The Word.

Jim first worked for Norge in Herrin, IL. After five years of service at Norge, he began working at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale where he worked as a driver for the Physical Plant until his retirement in June 1996.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed gardening and riding his bicycle. He traveled to various places across the country riding trails with his son. He also enjoyed traveling across the country to visit national parks. But second to the Lord, Jim loved his family most of all and cherished the time he spent with them making many wonderful memories.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty-two years, Nell Mayer of Marion; son, Dennis James Mayer and wife, Myndi, of Lima, OH; daughter, Kimberly Ranea Beasley and husband, Timothy, of Herrin, IL; grandchildren, Tanner Madison Mayer and wife, Danielle, of Elida, OH, Caleb Wayne Beasley of Herrin, IL, Shanelle Victoria Mitchell and husband, Brandon, of Paducah, KY, Sarah Anne Graham and husband, Christopher, of Columbus, OH and Ashley Nichole Beasley of Herrin, IL; great-grandchildren, Jamison Patrick Balogach, Wrenley Madison Mayer, and Rylee Ann Mayer; brothers-in-law, Lee Vernell Wollard and wife, DeAnn, of Goreville, IL and Waldo Cline Wollard and wife, June, of Marion, IL; sisters-in-law, Ruby Mayer of Makanda, IL, Martha Mayer of Murphysboro, IL and Phyllis Mayer of Clinton, IA; and several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert “Bob” Mayer, Guy Edward “J.E.” Mayer, Joseph “Joe” Mayer, Richard “Dick” Mayer; and sisters, Beatrice “Bea” Craft, Geraldine Remrey, Jacquelyn Mayer (in infancy) and Barbara Mayer (in infancy).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will resume on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

Following the time of visitation on Thursday, the funeral service will be at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Greer presiding.

Interment will follow in Freedom Cemetery in Marion.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL, 62959.

For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James “Jim”, please visit our floral store.