Jim Mamer

Jim Mamer, 69, of East Peoria, passed away at 3:44 pm on Monday, November 28, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on August 11, 1947 in Mt. Vernon, IL to James C. and Doris Stevens Mamer. He married Lynn Ferguson on May 4, 1968 at St. Stephens Church in Streator, IL. Jim is survived by his wife and his two sons, Michael (Lisa) Mamer of Washington and Matthew (Heidi) Mamer of East Peoria. He was a proud Papa and loved attending the extracurricular activities for his five grandchildren, Makayla, Hunter, Kyah, Peyton and Logan Mamer. Jim is also survived by his sister, Diane (Alan) Bressner and his brother, Steven (Pam) Mamer, both of Streator; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cindy (Steve) Francisko of East Peoria and Mark (Patty) Ferguson of Streator; along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in-law, Jack and Mary Ferguson. He was a US Navy veteran serving on the U.S.S. Gurke during the Vietnam War. Jim grew up in Streator and graduated from Streator High School in 1965. He also graduated from Midstate College and attended the Illinois Bankers School of Southern Illinois University and the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI. Jim was President and CO-CEO of Morton Community Bank. He loved East Peoria and dedicated his life to making it a better place to live. Jim was instrumental in the development of the Levee District, Eastside Center, Par-A-Dice, East Peoria Festival of Lights, Leisure Acres, and Jaycee Fireworks show. Jim was an active volunteer and served his community in many ways, including as a member of the OSF Foundation Board, Rotary, East Peoria Foundation as well as the former president of Kiwanis (charter member), Jaycees and East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. He was a Fondulac Park District Commissioner and also served as treasurer for several school districts. Jim was recognized for his efforts in founding Fondulac Banking Center and was also the recipient of the business person of the year in 1983. He belonged to several car clubs and had a great appreciation for collecting and showing Model A Fords. Jim loved fishing and hunting at the lake house which he also enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Jim was also a member of St. Monica’s Church in East Peoria. There will be a funeral service at 10:00 am Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Father Steve Willard will officiate. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, December 2, 2016 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to O.S.F. Foundation for Huntington’s Disease c/o Deiters Funeral Home 444 E. Washington St. East Peoria,IL. 61611

Jim Mamer

August 11, 1947 - November 28, 2016