James Degenhart's Obituary
James Philip Degenhart, 84, of Vandalia, passed away on August 06, 2023 in the comfort of his daughter’s home, surrounded by his family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, Vandalia with Rev. Fr. Seth Brown officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, prior to the services at the church. Burial will follow in McInturff Cemetery, rural Vandalia with military honors accorded by Brownstown VFW Post #9770. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family of Jim Degenhart. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com
James Philip Degenhart was born September 28, 1938 in Piopolis, IL, the son of Albert and Rose Ann (Ewald) Degenhart. He married Norma Hopkins on November 11, 1963 after he was honorably discharged from the US Navy in September of 1963. Jim and Norma shared nearly 44 years of marriage together before her death on October 26, 2007.
Jim sold farm equipment for many years, starting with Eakin & Emerick and retiring from Sievers Equipment. In his retirement Jim took up a love for baking; his specialties included pecan and pumpkin pie, and his granddaughter’s favorite, custard pie. He would often make pies and fresh fruit salad for church events at Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, were he was a member and for family gatherings. Jim treasured his family; his only daughter and only granddaughter were the lights of his life.
He is survived by his daughter, Kristina “Nina” and husband Robert Garrison of Vandalia; granddaughter Karsyn Garrison and fiancé Mitch Pannitto of Willoughby, OH; brother Paul Degenhart and wife Mary Kay of St. Louis, MO and John Degenhart and wife Theresa of Okawville, IL; brother-in-law, Larry Hopkins and wife Dianne of Vandalia; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister Sr. Mary Louise Degenhart; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clem and Myrtle Hopkins.
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