12/10/2025
Life Story and Service Details for
JAMES "JIM" WILMATH
James "Jim" Wilmath, age 78, of Maple Park, IL, passed away at his home, the morning Monday, October 6, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. He was born January 28, 1947, in Poe, MO, to proud parents Joe and Betty Wilmath.
Jim grew up on the family farm in Poe, helped with lots of farm chores, learned to hunt and fish, and created plenty of ruckus. Jim attended local schools and, after high school, joined his sister Mary and brother-in-law Dale in St. Charles for a work opportunity. Jim met Elma Wilkison when his brother Jerry married Elma's sister Arlene. Jim and Elma quickly fell in love and planned to marry in June 1966. Instead, Jim received his draft letter in 1966 to report for service in December. At Elma's father's suggestion, the wedding was postponed until Jim returned from Vietnam. Jim returned to the United States in early December 1967 and he and Elma were married on December 16, 1967, at Elburn Community Congregational Church. They moved to Texas for six months while Jim completed his service and then settled in Elburn. Nine months and one day after the wedding, their first son, Richard, was born.
The young family moved to Missouri for a time but returned to the Elburn area in 1969. They welcomed their second child, Joseph, in May 1973 and built a life in the Elburn/Maple Park area. Jim worked at Burgess Norton in Geneva, moved on to Furnas Electric in Batavia, and eventually retired from Senior Flexonics in Bartlett. During retirement, Jim continued to be a news ju**ie, enjoyed going to sales with childhood friend and brother-in-law Buck Sivert, golfing, and traveling. One of his favorite trips was a bus tour with Elma through New England to see the fall colors, but visiting his grandchildren in Georgia was his greatest joy. Jim was a proud member of the Elburn Community Congregational church and a member of the Moose Lodge.
Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years Elma; his two children, Richard (Susan) Wilmath and Joe Wilmath; two grandchildren, Elisabeth Wilmath and Joshua Wilmath; siblings Jerry Wilmath and Peggy Estep; and many nieces and nephews. Special recognition to his niece Cindi Paschal who gave so much love, support, and care during the last weeks of Jim's life. The family is deeply grateful.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty Wilmath; siblings Leo Wilmath, Mary Jennings, and Linda Burger.
Jim's family will be hosting a Celebration of Jim's Life on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at Warehouse on North at 217 W. N Street, Elburn, IL 60119 just to the west of Obscurity Brewing. All are welcome to attend.