James Edward Riechman, age 87, of Farina, Illinois passed away at 6:02 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, after a brave and courageous battle against cancer over the past year.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1p.m Friday, December 15, 2023 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Farina with a 2 - hour visitation prior to service.  Interment will be at Farina Cemetery. Memorials may go to the Friedens United Church of Christ, American Cancer Assoc., or the donor's choice.

James was born on December 3, 1936 in Loogootee, Illinois, the son of Theodore and Hilda (Engelkenjohn) Riechman. He married Betty Lou (Schneider) Whitney on April 29, 1966. He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ in Farina. Throughout his whole life, Jim did more in one day than many do in a week.  He was an idea man who could fix anything.  He had several jobs and served in the Army.  Jim enjoyed the travels he experienced during his time in the service and most recently loved working for Matheny Farm and Greenhouses.  He also served on the LaClede TWP. Board.  Jim also enjoyed tracking his family and checking their weather as well as sharing his daily Wordle score with them.

Jim was his family's hero as he lived a life of faith and humility.  His legacy lives on in his son, Burl Whitney (wife Christy) of Monticello; daughters, Tracey Harris (husband Jim) of Edwardsville and Marsha Stierwalt (husband Mark) of Genevea; brothers, Glenn Riechmann (wife Fern) of Green Castle, IN., and Dean Riechmann of Gresham, OR; grandchildren, Miranda Moeller-Staley (wife Courtney), Eric Moeller (wife Jorie), Ashley Kennedy (husband Patrick) Marcus Stierwalt (wife Rachel), Mason Stierwalt (wife Maci), and Alyssa Whitney; great-grandchildren, Keagan, Charley, and Harper Moeller and Henry, Cooper and Hazel Stierwalt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Lou Riechman, and one sister, JoAnn Curry.