James Edward ‘Jim’ Munie, passed away at home on March 29, 2025. He was born on March 28, 1936, in O’Fallon, Ill. to Oscar and Matilda Munie (nee Rapp). Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sally Jo. They met in O’Fallon, Ill. where they were married on April 18, 1959. That was just the beginning of an amazing life together.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill (Gerry) Munie, sisters, Mary Jean (Ray) Wheatley, Vernell (John) Goodman, Delores (Harold “Satch”) Keller, Pat (Paul) Gagne, and brother-in-law, Roger Ranek.
He was a loving and devoted father to 4 children and their spouses: Mike (Julie) Munie, North Augusta, S.C.; Mark (Michelle) Munie, Caseyville, Ill.; Robin (Tim) Johnson, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Scott (Janet) Munie, O’Fallon, Ill. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren: Jessica (Luke) Joseph, Stephanie (Raines) Waggett, Kevin Munie, Cassidy Munie, Daniel Munie, Connor Kowalski, Michael (Meghan) Johnson, David Johnson, Cody (Miranda) Johnson, Abbey (Kalani) Brubaker, Alley (Jonathan) Lunsford, Taylor (Megan) Munie, Hunter (Sarah) Munie, Colin Munie, 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters Janet Ranek and Karen (Bob) Cotter.
Jim was so proud of his family. His home is a shrine to all the kids’ weddings, newborns, trophies, graduations, holidays, etc.
Jim had such a big impact on so many family members, friends, and the broader O’Fallon community. Jim and his son Scott ran Munie Garage for 50 years gaining a reputation as an honest, reliable, and expert car repair shop. When the military personnel would relocate to Scott Air Force Base, they were told “take your car to Munie’s … Jim will take care of you.” In 1996, Munie’s Garage was recognized by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce as a local business in operation for over 50 years.
Jim was so much more than just a good mechanic. Devoted member of the Catholic Church (St. Nicholas and St. Clare). Member of the Air Force Reserves in the early 60’s where he was briefly activated in support of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Mid-America Off Road Racing Champion in the 70’s, and Lewis & Clark Historian and Volunteer. Jim loved sports, becoming very good at water skiing, bowling, tennis, bridge, and of course, golf. Jim would often shoot lower than his age when playing a round of golf. Up until his final days, he worked at O’Reilly Auto Parts in the delivery department.
Memorials may be made to The O’Fallon Garden Club, by mail to 411 E. Fifth St., O’Fallon, IL 62269. www.ofallongardenclub.com. Donations will also be accepted at the visitation and service. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.wfh-ofallon.com
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Drive, O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Junker presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Shiloh, Ill. Please join the family for a luncheon at St. Nicolas Church starting at 12 Noon.
