James E. Albers

He was born in Springfield on June 7, 1950, the son of Harry Jr. and Ethel (Barrow) Albers. James married Mary Agnes Westenberger on September 6, 1975, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield, IL.

Jim graduated from Griffin High School with the class of 1968. He went on to work as an engineer with DICKEY-John for over 40 years. Jim was a lifetime member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and enjoyed model trains, airplanes, and motorcycles. Jim loved attending the Oshkosh Fly-In for many years, was an avid Star Trek fan, and liked watching sports in his free time.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Agnes; parents; brothers-in-law, George Westenberger III and Edward Wellman, Jr.; and granddaughter, Mary Grace Parrini.

James is survived by his son, James “Alex” Albers of Bloomington; daughters, Sarah (James Plogger) Albers of Springfield, Emily (Christopher) Daniels of Carmel, IN, and Katherine Albers of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Aidan Flynn, Ian Carroll, Alexander Daniels, and Maxwell Daniels; brothers-in-law, John Westenberger of Springfield and Richard (Betsy) Westenberger of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine Ring of Jacksonville, Anne Wellman of Firestone, CO and Janet (Joe) Vespa of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Jeff Grant, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to EAA Young Eagles at https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationye or mail to EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.