James Edward "Jim" Brahler

Jim was born May 13, 1939 in Springfield, the son of Christian Joseph and Ella Cecelia Murray Brahler.

He married Irene L. Butcher on September 12, 1959 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Irene preceded him in death on March 24, 2001. He married Carol Griffin Flannigan on January 4, 2003.

Jim graduated from St. Joseph Grade School, Cathedral Boys High School and from Illinois College.

Mr. Brahler was the Retired Founder and President of Brahler Tire and Auto Center and Brahler Lube Centers.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He was Co-Chairman of Friend-In-Deed/Contact Ministries Golf Outing. He was the Administrator at St. Martin de Porres for the last three years. Jim was inducted in the Sacred Heart-Griffin Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his first wife: Irene Butcher Brahler, parents, sister: Mary Louise Brahler and brother: C. Joseph Brahler.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Brahler of Springfield, three sons: Mark (wife, Lisa), David (wife, Elizabeth) and Michael Brahler; two daughters: Michele (husband, Jim) Reavy and Denise (husband, Marty) Vespa all of Springfield, Stepchildren: Erin Flannigan-Davies of Schaumburg, Mary Pat Flannigan-Williams of Mission Hills, KS, and Patrick Joseph Flannigan of Springfield; grandchildren: James, Angela, Jared and Caitlin Brahler, Amanda, Kristin, Melissa, Alex, Max, Michael, Madeline and Nolan Reavy, Ella, Annie, Nicholas and Lydia Brahler, Abby, Matt, Dominic, Vincent and Francie Vespa and Samantha Brahler; brothers: R.W. “Bill” (wife, Mary) Brahler of Quincy, John Brahler of Murphysboro, sisters: Nancy Ryan and Pat (husband, Sam) Benanti, Mary Jo Brahler all of Springfield, Dorothy Brahler of Murphysboro and Barb (husband, Larry) Ziliak of Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 at Christ The King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m.with Rev. Msgr. Kevin Vann officiant. Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Kevin Vann, Principal Celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin de Porres, C/O Gene Humphreville, 1725 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62703 or Friend-In-Deed Program, Attn: Nancy Evans, 1 Copley Plaza, P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705

The family of James Edward 'Jim' Brahler is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.