Jim Lee Guerettaz

Jim Guerrettaz, 72, passed away on March 19, 2026, at Lakeland Nursing Home in Effingham, Illinois.

The funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois, followed by burial at Farina Cemetery and a dinner at the Farina Fire Department. Visitation will be held at Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Farina Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Jim was born on June 20, 1954, to Gladys (Gesell) and Adrian Guerrettaz Jr. He was raised in Farina and graduated from LaGrove High School in 1972. On July 20, 1974, he married Nancy Meyer at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was a member of Frieden’s United Church of Christ.

Jim spent his entire career in the grain industry, working at Clay County Grain and ADM in Farina. Beyond his professional life, he dedicated 45 years to the Farina Fire Department, including 28 years as Fire Chief. His service was more than a responsibility—it was a calling he carried out with pride, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

Jim found great joy serving alongside his two sons, sharing not only the duties of the fire service but also its deep sense of purpose and brotherhood. He viewed the department as family and cared for each member as if they were his own, always prioritizing their safety and well-being. His legacy is one of selflessness, leadership, and commitment to others. In addition to his fire service, Jim also served his community as a Farina Town Board Trustee and as president of the Farina Ambulance.

Jim had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. Time spent at his Uncle Larry’s deer camp was a cherished tradition filled with stories, laughter, and lasting memories. He also had a passion for gardening and took great pride in tending to it.

Baseball was another important part of Jim’s life. He shared his love of the game with his sons and six grandsons, coaching his boys in Little League and later cheering on his grandsons from the sidelines. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy than hearing about their accomplishments on the field. He was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his mother, Gladys; his sons, Jason (Amanda) Guerrettaz and Aaron (Emily) Guerrettaz; his six grandsons, Chase, Issac, Lukas, Isaac, Owen, and Easton Guerrettaz; his brother, Duane (Jenny) Guerrettaz; his sister-in-law, Jo (Mike) Williams; his brothers-in-law, Brian Meyer, Gary Meyer, and Ron (Mary Rae) Meyer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adrian Guerrettaz Jr., as well as his in-laws, Elmer and Elsie Meyer.