James Patrick Barganier, 46, of Millstadt, IL, born February 28, 1979, in Belleville IL, died Friday, March 14, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
After a few years spent at Southwestern Illinois College earning multiple associate degrees and certificates in the area of computer aided drafting, James earned his bachelor’s degree from Carbondale University. His career path took him to a company called KDG and then TWM where colleagues became family. It was while Jim was with TWM that he continued his education and became a Professional Land Surveyor.
Jim’s love of people and helping led him to follow in Grandpa Paul’s footsteps and became a Mason in the St. Clair Lodge No. 24 of Belleville and a proud Ainad Shriner of Southern Illinois out of the East St. Louis Temple. Here he continued to make crowds smile during parades while being part of the Rolling Nobles and helping transport children to appointments at Shriner’s Hospital with the Road Runners.
On September 25, 2004, Jim married the love of his life, Lori. The love story continued as together they welcomed two sons, Zak and Reese, into the world. Jim also enjoyed becoming a part of the Belleville Enduro Team (BET) family where he was able to watch his sons, Zak and Reese, ride and race their motorcycles. Jim’s membership with the Freeburg Rod and Gun club enabled him to continue his love of hunting and carrying on traditions with his sons as well. He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed camping, fishing, anything involving water, and his happy place, the beach. Jim was also happy doing anything baseball related, and this led him to many years of coaching both of his son’s baseball teams. Jim especially loved spending time with his sons. Watching Reese play soccer from the sideline and watching St. Louis City games together in person or on TV, and time in the garage with Zak rebuilding a mustang were some of his favorite moments.
Jim had a laugh that was contagious and could brighten any room. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son and good friend to all and will be deeply missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by, maternal grandparents, Paul and Shirley Klingler; and his paternal grandparents, James and Catherine Barganier.
Surviving are his loving wife of 20 years, Lori, nee Schaefer, Barganier; his two sons, Zakery and Reese Barganier; his father, Michael Barganier; his mother, Patricia, nee Klingler, Beshears; his sister, Kelly (Zach) Brandt and their children, Piper and Jameson Brandt; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rick and Sally Schaefer; a sister-in-law, Julie (Bryan) Hanvey and their son, Kameron Hanvey; his aunt and uncle and godparents, David (Debbie) Klingler; five godchildren, Tyler, Destiny, Carter, Trevor, and Ben; many aunts and uncles-in-law, that were very close with him; many cousins; his dear friends, John (Robin) Geasley, Travis (LeAnn) Henry, Jeff Grandcolas, and Sarah Grandcolas; and his fur babies, Kimber and Flash.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riding for a Reason or online at www.ridingforareason.com. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Christ Church, Fairview Heights, IL. Please wear royal blue attire in honor of his battle with colon cancer.
Funeral: A masonic ritual and funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Christ Church, Fairview Heights, IL, with Rev. Shane Bishop officiating.
According to Jim’s wishes, cremation will follow.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
