James J. “Jimmy” Thatcher, 60, a lifelong resident of Peotone, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Born August 6, 1962, in Blue Island, he was the son of John J. and Myra (Eylander) Thatcher.
Jimmy was a Peotone High School graduate, Class of 1980, who worked as a self-employed master painter. He was a fan of the Grateful Dead and a self-proclaimed Deadhead. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Jimmy especially enjoyed spending time at his family’s farm, where he grew up. He was incredibly proud of his daughter, Ashley, and his grandson, Wyatt, and loved talking about them with everyone.
Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Ashley Thatcher of Beecher; grandson, Wyatt; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Gary Hase of Monee; sisters-in-law, Rosalie (the late John A.) Thatcher and Debra (the late Joseph) Thatcher, both of Wilmington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, John J. Thatcher (August 19, 2018); his mother, Myra Thatcher (June 18, 2013); brothers, John A. Thatcher (April 4, 2012) and Joseph Thatcher (April 12, 2012); sister, Joyce A. Albers (June 18, 2021); and his brother-in-law, Keith Albers (March 4, 2009).
Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 12, from 3 – 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor David Alo officiating. Burial is at Peotone Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family. Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com.