James S. “Jim” Stocker, 48, of Peoria Heights, passed away at 12:17 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, after a six month battle with cancer.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue in Peoria. Services and interment will be private at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Jim was born in Peoria on May 30, 1962, a son of Norman L. Jr. and Ann C. (Holler) Stocker. His father preceded him in death.
He is survived by his mother, Ann C. Stocker of Peoria Heights; sister, Cyn A. Batey-Landry (Rob) of Apex, NC; brother, Jeffrey S. Stocker of Peoria Heights; sister, Cathy A. Geick of Peoria Heights; and several nieces, nephews and very close friends.
Jim was a CDL truck driver for Central Transport International’s Peoria hub. He was formerly in management with G & D Integrated in Morton and also was formerly employed with the Red Cross of Central Illinois in Peoria.
He was a life-long resident of Peoria Heights and attended Peoria Heights Congregational Church.
Jim will be remembered as a free spirit, for both his passion in his artwork and in his love of the Great American West.
I remember our vacations in South Dakota... he almost got struck by lightning once while packing up to get Sabrina and I out of the storm. She was just a baby then.
I'm a little all over the place with this, please forgive me, for, sorrow has taken over my mind.
He was my mentor... we made peace pipes together..which I was in the process of making him one.. upon hearing of his cancer... It is almost finished... if anyone in the family would like to have it.. I will send it to you.. It was all carved by hand, and native american ceremonies took place throughout each, separate process... the book "The Sacred Pipe" was our guide to the construction and rituals... I am hoping to give it to a member of his family, preferably one that will smoke with the great council by his graves site.
It would make the ceremonial sacred pipe complete.
Please, contact me: miki_schultz@yahoo.com
"For the large-hearted people, the whole world is one family"-
Mitakuye Oyasin!--We are all related!
So many things he taught me.
I will forever miss what we shared.
Rest in Peace, Jim.
| Jeanette Hillyer/J. Stimeling |
Friends |
February 6, 2011 |
Ann and family
We want to express out sincere sympathy to all of you. We recently saw Ann and she told us of his illness. Please know we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
| Erica (Johnson) Phelps |
Such a good guy |
February 6, 2011 |
Growing up, Jim was one of our close friends of the family. We met him through my sis Lisa. I later worked with Jim at G&D. He was such a great guy. I will never forget when he took me to Farm Aid. My dad thought alot of him, too! They will meet again. My thoughts & prayers go out to the family for your loss.
| Louise Picl |
Friend |
February 5, 2011 |
I send my love and prayers to you, Ann, and all your family. I have not seen Ann since our days at Kelly Avenue, but I do remember you and all your children. I can't imagine losing a child, and my heart goes out to you. God bless you.
| roger pemberton |
next door neighbor |
February 5, 2011 |
Jim was my neighbor for over 10 years,we would sit on the porch and talk about all kinds of things like camping,electrical,and building things, Jim was always helpful
he was a great neighbor. i will miss you dude.
my condolences to the family.
| Rick |
Picl |
February 5, 2011 |
I have not seen Jim for many years - but I will remember him as a great guy - laid back with a great sense of humor. My prayers of sympathy go out to the entire Stocker family - I was very sorry to learn about the passing of Jim.
- Rick Picl
