James L Diegel

Born August 29, 1933 in Delavan to Eugene and Alberta (Woods) Diegel, he married Mabel Martin on June 19, 1954 in Pekin. She died on March 19, 2014 in Pekin. Also preceding him in death are his parents.

Surviving are one son, Jerry (Jodie) Diegel of Palatine; two daughters, Jody (Bill) Zahner of Prattville, AL, Tracy (DJ) Acra of Pekin and seven grandchildren, Jerrad Zahner, James Diegel, Jonathon Diegel, Kayleigh (Chad) Oates, Jeffrey Diegel, Elijah Acra and Chabelli Acra.

He had served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Jim had worked for 20 years as an assembler for Caterpillar, Inc. Prior to that he had worked 18 years at Standard Brands in Pekin.

Jim was a member of First Baptist Church in Pekin.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 in Pekin.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, motorcycling and playing shuffleboard. He could also be found fixing and painting cars and just tinkering in his garage.

His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday May 16, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. James McClary will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 612 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com