BENTON – James “Jim” Robert Steckenrider passed away on February 17, 2023, at the age of 78. He suffered a long battle against Parkinson’s Disease. He faced the disease with strength and courage. Despite the pain, Jim fought hard until the end. He was a caring and loving, husband, father and papa to his family.

Jim was born September 30, 1944 in Christopher, IL to Ford and Edna Steckenrider. On June 19, 1976 he married the love of his life, Carolyn (Baldwin). He was U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1962-1968 on board the USS Ethan Allen.

Jim will forever be known as a hard worker and provider for his family. He made many good friends while working at Inland Steel Coal. Also, in his lifetime he owned and operated several small businesses including a motorcycle shop in Raleigh, NC, a used car lot, auto racing parts store and equipment rental business all in Benton. However, Jim’s most successful venture was the small tractor business he started in 1987 that grew into a very successful excavating business known as Midwest Petroleum and Excavating. He retired from excavating in 2005.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman but his favorite hobby was dirt car racing. He was well known across Southern Illinois dirt tracks and was affectionately referred to a “Grandpa.” He loved watching his son, son-in-law, and two grandsons out on the track.

Giving to others was his love language. He was always giving someone a hand up by offering them a job, helping with unforeseen circumstances or just being a friend. Jim was a good Christian man that loved the Lord and serving others. He attended Grace Awakening Church.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Ford and Edna Steckenrider.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn; children Jeff Wiggs (Sarah), Jill Lampley (Steve) and Jami Dial (Eric); his grandchildren Olivia Jones (Jacob), Sydnie and Sophie Lampley, Jaxton and Jagger Wiggs, Riley Dial; his brothers Ray and Charles Steckenrider. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be Monday, February 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Burial will follow immediately after the funeral at Mulkeytown Cemetery with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Navy Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grace Awakening Church Building Fund are appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com.