June 26, 1951 – July 25, 2026
James Harold Meinhart, age 75, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 10:20 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, 303 East Section Street, Dieterich, Illinois, with Father Juan Carlos Ruiz, OFM, celebrating mass. The burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Dieterich, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Saint Aloysius Parish Center in Bishop Creek, Illinois (19812 E 1000th Avenue, Dieterich, Illinois). In loving memory of Jim, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448 or to Crossroads Cancer Center, 905 Medical Park Drive, Effingham, Illinois 62401. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
James Harold, better known as “Jim” was born on June 26, 1951, in Effingham, Illinois, the first-born child of Harold Michael “Butch” and Theresa Mae (Meyer) Meinhart. He graduated from Dieterich High School with the Class of 1969. On May 27, 1971, Jim married the love of his life Marcia Susan Clough at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lillyville, Illinois. Marcia preceded him in death on September 29, 2023.
Jim retired from World Color Press in Effingham after 31 and a half years of service. He later worked at James Backhoe service in Dieterich.
Jim was a member of Saint Isidore the Farmer Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking, recycling and loved to visit with his family and friends.
Jim is survived by:
Children – Lucas (Leslie) Meinhart and Dawn (Eric) Overton both of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren – Andrea Phillips, Seth Meinhart (fiancé Stacey Smithenry), Hallie Meinhart, Karli Meinhart, Olivia Overton and Amelia Overton
Siblings – Linda (Keith) McKinney of Montrose, Illinois; John (Susan) Meinhart of Wheeler, Illinois; Tom (Linda) Meinhart of Dieterich, Illinois; Mark Meinhart (special friend Shelia Reed) of Dieterich, Illinois; Mike (Jami) Meinhart of Newton, Illinois; Mary (Bud) Ervin of Dieterich, Illinois; Gary Meinhart of Dieterich, Illinois; Jerry (Cindy) Meinhart of Dieterich, Illinois and Lee (Linda) Meinhart of Dieterich, Illinois
Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Robert Meinhart, sister Mary Lou Meinhart and a nephew Rodney Meinhart.
