He was born in Dunlap July 30, 1936, a son of Edmond Geber and Miriam (Snyder) Geber. He married Janeth Kay Modendricker in Burlington, IA on July 28, 1956.
Surviving are his wife; two sons, Martin of Lacon and Matthew of Chicago; four grandchildren, David (Alana) Piper, Zachary (Michelle) Piper, Brittany Piper, Allison (Brandon) Geber; one great-grandson, and two step-great granddaughters.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eugene Geber; one sister, Margaret Tucker; one daughter, Melissa; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Geber; one brother-in-law, Jerry Bone; and one sister-in-law, Penny Yuhas.
Jim graduated from Elmwood High School in 1954 and joined the Navy Reserves, where he served proudly until 1962. Early in his career he worked as a fireman for TP&W Railroad and then completed the Millright Pipefitters Apprentice course at Caterpillar in 1964. Jim went on to work as a training instructor, and then as a Supervisor at the Mapleton plant. Jim attended Illinois Central College and Bradley University. He retired from Caterpillar in 1995.
Upon retirement, he rebuilt and restored a 1941 John Deere Model H tractor. He enjoyed using this tractor along with his other antique John Deere and Caterpillar tractors on the family farm. An avid deer and turkey hunter, his retirement years included storied hunting trips to Missouri with his sons. Jim also enjoyed road trips around the Midwest with his wife. His later years were filled with John Wayne westerns and some occasional Johnny Cash music. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed dearly.
A visitation will be held Thursday, November 8 from 5pm to 7pm at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria.
Memorials can be made in his name to the Koinonia Food Pantry, 405 N. Washington, Suite A, Lacon, IL 61540.
