James F. Hoerr

James F. Hoerr, 91, of Peoria, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Unity Point\Proctor Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 10, 1926 in Bartonville to David A. and Rose (Yoder) Hoerr. He married Virginia A. Moser on March 14, 1948 in Morton, Illinois.

His wife of 69 years, Virginia is surviving. Also surviving are three daughters, Joyce (John) Benko of Morrison, Colorado, Dianne (Happy) Leman of Champaign, and Nancy (Brian) Harvey of Littleton, Colorado; three sons, Ben (Tina) Hoerr of Peoria, Tim (Toni) Hoerr of Champaign, and Nate (Suzanne) Hoerr of Peoria; 23 grandchildren: Mimi McFaul, Seth Bradley, J.D. Leman, A.J. Leman, Julie Yoder, J. Leman, Cory Leman, Alli Burkholder, Blake Harvey, Blaine Harvey, Emily Pool, Jenna Hoerr, Philip Hoerr, Casey Hoerr, Alyssa Kolb, Audra Wilson, Kaley Hoerr, Austin Hoerr, Evan Hoerr, Chad Hoerr, Annie Hoerr, Jaylea Wisner, Avery Wisner, and 30 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, John and George Hoerr of Peoria and three sisters, Mildred Moser, Florence (Tom) Barclay,and Eloise Meister all of Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, David W. Hoerr, Ralph E. Hoerr, Irvin Hoerr, and Carl Hoerr and two sisters, Marie Huber, and infant sister, Ruthie Hoerr.

Along with two of his brothers, Jim was an owner of D.A.Hoerr and Sons, Inc. in Peoria. The Hoerr Nursery name has a long history in Peoria. His father, David August Hoerr, the son of German immigrants, began delivering topsoil in his truck and doing other landscaping jobs in 1926. The business continues the family tradition today under the third generation.

Jim formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Bank, Forest Park Foundation, American Red Cross, Constitution Garden, Peoria City Beautiful, Apostolic Christian World Relief, Board of Directors of Wildlife Prairie Park, various memberships of Nurseryman associations. He was a licensed Tree Expert in the State of Illinois. He volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank and the Berean Prison Ministry. He was involved with the World Relief Heifer Project and the R.G. M.M. I. (Rural Gospel Medical Mission of India), having traveled to India eleven times in his lifetime.

He fought the good fight. He ran a good race and finished well. He was a giant in many ways, mostly by living an exemplary life of generous love and sacrificial generosity. He set the standard for a loving marriage. He loved his family with fierceness. He taught us not only the value of hard work, but how to work with purpose and excellence. He taught us about faith and that it should be expressed in practical ways. Jim’s life, faith, and work taught us so many lessons, most of them shared without words.

Jim was a member of the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church where he formerly served as one of the church ministers. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 10:00 am at the church with the church ministers officiating. Visitation will be Sunday at the Davison Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home from 3pm until 7pm and from 9:00 am until 9:45 am Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery near Edwards. Memorials may be made to Apostolic Skylines of Peoria or to the Harvest Call. You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.