James Gehringer

Date of Birth

Mar 10,1944

Date of Death

Oct 27,2017

James “Jim” Gehringer, age 73, of Sandwich, IL, formerly of Kaneville, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Friday, October 27, 2017. He was born on March 10, 1944, in Aurora, IL. Jim grew up on the family farm in Kaneville and attended local schools. He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1962. Before receiving his diploma, he made sure to make a name for himself on the football field. It was shortly before Elburn Days in 1965 that Joanne would meet the man that would walk beside her the rest of her days, Jim Gehringer. After a six month whirlwind courtship, they were united in marriage on her birthday, December 11, 1965. They began their life together in a tenant house on the old Gehrke Farm on Lees Rd. in Virgil Township. Five years later they moved to Lorang Rd. in Kaneville. In 2005 they moved once more to Leland. In recent months, Jim made his home in Sandwich. Jim left his farming history behind when he started a 40 plus year career with the phone company as a lineman. He was a proud member of both the NRA and Ducks Unlimited, not to mention the Illinois Rifle Association. His passion for all things steam powered brought him into memberships with the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club and the North American Model Engineering Society. Jim was a big man with an even bigger heart. He was a motorcycle, Model A and steam engine enthusiast. His passions could be plainly seen when he and Joanne would ride off into the sunset on their Goldwing. Their destination could be anywhere between Canada and Florida. He also boasted a collection of steam engines and even started his own business named Blackberry Models. Jim’s handiwork was as meticulous as it was beautiful. You could find his steam engines at local shows across the countryside and even across the globe, but in his estimation, the Sandwich Steam and Power Shows topped them all. They both enjoyed their trips to the Steam and Power shows as long as Joanne could walk amongst the arts and crafts and shop until her heart’s content. Clay targets shook when they heard his name and knew their time was short when Jim yelled, “Pull!”. He was an avid hunter too, bagging more than his fair share of deer, duck, geese and pheasant. Four wheeling with his ATV made him smile from ear to ear but it got even bigger when he laid eyes on a treasured Model A. When it came to music, a road trip wasn’t complete without Bluegrass; whether you enjoyed it or not! He is survived by two siblings: Kathy (Jack) Culbertson and Jeff (Peggy) Nickels; one sister-in-law, Sharon De Arvil; several nieces, nephews and a great family of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert “Gib” and Elsie Nickels; his wife Joanne and a brother Jerry Gehringer. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent direct to the charity of your choice. Tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can find his full life story.

Memorial service at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.

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