Br. James Lammers, O.F.M.

James Bernard Lammers was born on August 8,1950 in Hermann, MO. He was the son of the late Casper and Rose (Thuli) Lammers. Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. George Parish. He attended high school at St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary in Westmont, IL.

On August 30, 1970, James was received into the Franciscan Order by Fr. Vitus Duschinsky, OFM and entered the novitiate for the Sacred Heart Province at St. Paschal’s Friary in Oak Brook, IL. After his simple profession on August 15, 1971, Jim moved to Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy for one year. He then returned to the Brother’s School at St. Paschal’s where he began learning basic carpentry and other practical skills. In 1974, Jim was transferred to Hales Franciscan High School on the southside of Chicago. There he developed a true love for the African American community, even singing in the Gospel Choir at nearby Corpus Christi Church.

In 1982, Jim entered the Carpenter’s Apprentice program with the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. While living at St. Peter’s in the Loop, he worked on a variety of Union construction projects across the city of Chicago.

In 1991, Jim was transferred to Quincy College Friary where he helped on the maintenance crew. Meanwhile, he worked on his higher education, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

From there, he returned to work in Chicago, living at Corpus Christi Friary and then at St. Gratian Friary, in order to become fully vested in the Carpenters Union pension plan.

In 2001, Jim was free to move to Teutopolis, IL to help with maintenance at St. Francis Parish. In 2005, Jim moved to Our Lady of the Angels at Greccio near Springfield, IL to assist the older friars in need of medical care.

In 2008, Brother Jim retired to Robertsville, MO where he still enjoyed doing various handyman projects and other fraternal service for the men in his community. He had a great memory and could recall all kinds of curious details and incidental facts which helped him with his favorite crossword puzzles. He enjoyed old movies and had an extensive DVD collection. But most of all, Jim will always be remembered for his friendliness and love for others.

Bro. James Lammers is preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Rose (Thuli), his brother Dennis and his sister Mary Ann. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth, who still lives in the family home which Jim remodeled, and his brother-in-law Lyle Fricke of Peoria, IL, along with nephews and nieces: Matthew & Jessica, Brandon & Jackie, Collin & Abby, Katelyn & Brendan, and Logan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Franciscan Friars of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, 770 South Central Avenue, Hapeville, GA 30354-1937.

There will be a visitation Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:30-11am at Saint George Catholic Church, 128 West 4th Street, Hermann, MO 65041. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am, followed by the Rite of Committal at Saint George Cemetery in Hermann.