James A Seibert

JAMES SEIBERT

JERSEYVILLE - James A. "Jim" Seibert, 82, died at 9:25 a.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home after a period of declining health.

He was born in Belleville, Illinois on November 28, 1942, one of two sons born to Levi Milton and Dorothea (Kirchhoefer) Seibert.

He grew up on the family farm alongside his parents and brother, doing only what two boys can do, and it was there that he was instilled with the value of hard work and commitment to family.

He graduated in 1961 from New Athens High School in New Athens, Illinois, graduated in 1963 from Ranken Technical College, and earned his BS degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1968.

He married the former Janet Marie Otrich on December 23, 1967, in Jonesboro, Illinois. They had just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary before her death on December 27, 2009.

Shortly after their marriage they relocated to Jerseyville, where Jim was employed with the University of Illinois Extension Office serving as their youth advisor.  He remained there for six years, before accepting employment with Jersey State Bank in Jerseyville in 1974 as a loan officer, specializing in agriculture and consumer loans.  He would remain a dedicated and valued member of the bank family for 33 years, retiring December 31, 2006 as their Assistant Vice President.

Jim was extremely community oriented, and was a member of numerous boards and committees, always dedicating his time and talents for the benefit of the Jerseyville community.

He was a member of the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, a 55 year member of Rotary International, serving as President of the Jerseyville chapter from 1972-1973, and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow in 2011 and 2024; Jerseyville Future Farmers of America, where in 1972, he was the Honorary Chapter Farmer, Jerseyville Masonic Blue Lodge #394, Valley of Southern Illinois Scottish Rite, Jerseyville Moose Lodge #695, and the Jerseyville Industrial Commission.

Jim was a member of the Jersey County Fair Board for nearly 50 years and was honored to be the Parade Marshal in 2021, past member of the Agriculture Council with Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, Il., and served on the Prairie States Council on Aging.  

He was also active in 4-H Youth Council serving as their past president, and the Jersey County 4-H Foundation, being inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame in 2012.    A dedicated member of Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville, he had served as past president of the church council and past president and treasurer of the Youth Council, as well as the Building and Grounds Committee.

To say the least, he was a busy man, and if there was time to be had, Jim was making sure his time was being used to be of service to his family, his friends and the community that he held so dear.

Surviving are his daughter, Susan Marie Seibert of Jerseyville; a brother, David Seibert of Washington, IL.; along with three nieces, Julie, Linda and Kristi; two great nephews, Nik and Miles; and his companion, Wanda Krueger.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister in-law, Judy Seibert.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday.  Rev. Deborah Lawson will officiate.

He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials would be appreciated to either Jersey County Fair or Jerseyville Rotary International Dictionary Program.

Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com

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