Jim Lerch

James Larry ”Jim” “Heavy” Lerch, age 74, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born July 13, 1946 in Pittsfield, Illinois the son of Russell Albert and Virginia Mayme Bagent Lerch.  He married Lila Charlene Hopping on January 1, 1966 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clayton, Illinois and she survives. 

Jim worked for both National Starch and Chemical Company and Celanese in Meredosia, Illinois for 32 years, retiring in 2004. 

He graduated from Brown County High School with the class of 1964. 

Jim was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served his country in the United States Army. 

He was a member of the Chambersburg Christian Church.  

Jim truly loved attending his grandchildren's many activities. 

Survivors include his wife Lila Lerch of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  2 daughters Jennifer Blaesing (Jim) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois and Sarah Ruppel (Kevin) of Oakford, Illinois. 1 sister Wanda Mendenhall (Buster) of Pittsfield, Illinois.  1 brother Gene Lerch (Sue) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  7 grandchildren Logan, Alexa, Mia, Jackson, Alanna, Ryder and Gauge also survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Maurine Parker.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 in the Chambersburg Christian Church with Pastor Nate Walters officiating.  

Burial will follow in the Gray Cemetery in New Salem, Illinois. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the church.  

Memorials are suggested to the Chambersburg Christian Church. 

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements. 

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