James LeRoy “Jim” Wattles, age 80
October 10, 1943 – January 17, 2024
James LeRoy “Jim” Wattles, age 80, of Ingraham, Illinois, passed away at 6:04 AM – Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 1:00 PM – Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois, with Carroll Ross officiating. The burial will be in the South Muddy Cemetery near Ingraham, Illinois. Visitation will be held 2:00 to 4:00 PM – Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the funeral home. In loving memory of Jim, memorials may be made to the Headyville Christian Church. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left www.meyerfh.com.
James LeRoy also known as Jim was born on October 10, 1943, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Roy Elvis “Sonny” and Jeanette Ruth (Gibson) Wattles. He graduated from Clay City High School, Class of 1961.
Jim was a lifelong farmer and was devoted to preserving the family farm that was homesteaded in 1872. He married Alpha Sue “Susie” Lister on August 12, 1962, at South Muddy Church and she preceded him in death on July 24, 2012. Following the passing of Susie, Jim found love again with Anita Steber. Their union brought joy and companionship into their lives, and they made countless memories together.
Jim was a life member of the NRA and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and collecting Indian artifacts. He enjoyed attending car shows and taking drives with Anita in his classic cars.
Jim is survived by:
Children – Tracey (Lance) Richards of Fisher, Indiana; Scott (Sonja) Wattles of Mattoon, Illinois; and Sherry (Rob) Smith of Ingraham, Illinois
Partner – Anita Steber of Olney, Illinois, and her family
Sister- Linda (Bob) Seimer of Effingham, Illinois
Grandchildren- Tara (Michael) Bouton, Tessa Richards, Kari (Dean) Anderson, Kirsti Wattles, and Thomas Smith
Great Grandchildren – Liam Bouton, Finnegan Bouton, Declan Bouton, and Liliana Anderson
Nephew – Tyson (Amy) Tolliver and family
James was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a nephew Seth Tolliver.
