James Michel “Jimmy” Stanek, 88, of Troy, Illinois passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and family on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was born September 23, 1935, in Granite City, Illinois, a son of the late John Henry and Marie Dorothy (Murray) Stanek.
He married the love of his life, Norma Jean (Steele) Stanek on January 23, 1959, in East St. Louis, Illinois and she survives. James retired from Consolidated Aluminum in Madison, Illinois after many years of dedicated service as a bricklayer. He had also worked with his late brother-in-law’s plumbing business, D & L Plumbing for a short time and later as a courier with the Collinsville Veterinary Clinic. The United States Army veteran proudly served his country. He enjoyed his days of hunting and fishing and was always tinkering with things that were broken. He always kept his eyes open for items that he could repair or fix. Norma and James were also talented with reupholstering furniture on the side and called themselves NORJAS. He had a love for hot air balloons and would attend the New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Festival held in October.
He enjoyed working with the crew that worked on the balloon called Bags of Wind. He was friend with the owner and the crew included family and friends. He also enjoyed his many road trips on his motorcycle and loved to barbecue and enjoyed having gatherings with family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife of 65 years, he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Bob Repka of Troy; a son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Jamie Stanek of Troy; daughter and son-in-law, Eva and Michael Sutherland of Troy; sister, Mary Havron Moeller of Kimberling City, Missouri; six grandchildren and spouses, Heather and Daniel Gruenfelder, Heath Repka, Amanda and Mike Starostki, Samantha Stanek, Lindsey and Don O’Neal, Ethan and Jessica Sutherland; thirteen great-grandchildren and a spouse, Quentin Repka, Starla Repka, Piper Repka, Rhys Repka, Drew Hogan, Cooper Hogan, Hudson O’Neal, Tenleigh O’Neal, Bert Gruenfelder, Hannah Gruenfelder, Hannah and Elijah First, Jill Starostki and Luke Starostki; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Dees-First and Jonah Dees-First; nieces; nephews; other extended family and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Stanek and a sister, Judy Oros.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m. A private family burial with full military honors will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis at a later date. Memorials may be made to Vitas Hospice and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com
