James C. Christmann, 74, of rural Utica, formerly of Mendota passed away unexpectedly February 20, 2020 in Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Peru.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Utica with Rev. Michael Driscoll officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Utica. Visitation will be from Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Jim was born May 22, 1945 in Mendota to Frank and Eleanora (Holdren) Christmann. He married Jean Harmon on October 9, 1965 in Utica.

He graduated from Mendota High School in 1963. He had served as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard. Jim worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1997. He also worked for the City of Mendota as a part time police officer from 1968 to 1985. Jim was a member of the Mendota Elks Lodge, Mendota Moose Lodge and the Utica Knights of Columbus.

Jim's incredible positive attitude and quick sense of humor were admired by those who loved him. He had a life-long appreciation for clean cars, motorcycles, and a well-cut lawn.   Jim also had a special fondness for his grand-dogs, Sky, Bear, and Lola.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Laura (Curt) Zimmerman of Mendota and Jennifer (Jerry) Gould of Lemont; one brother, Bruce (Marge) Christmann of Mendota; one sister-in-law, Karon Christman of Sebastian, FL; and five grandchildren Grant Zimmerman, Mark Zimmerman, Maddi Gould, Cole Zimmerman, and Evan Gould. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Christman.

Memorials may be directed to the Utica Ambulance Service.