James M. “Jim” Sprengel, 91, of Breese, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. Born on March 4, 1933, in Mattoon, IL, Jim was the son of the late Martin “Mike” and Florence (Waddell) Sprengel. He married Charlotte Bernice Cumby, on June 12, 1954, at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Illinois. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing.
Jim’s passion for education and service was reflected throughout his life. A proud graduate of Mattoon Senior High School in 1950, where he was a member of the ROTC Rifle Team, Jim continued his education at Lincoln College in Lincoln, IL, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Illinois. His love of learning led him to pursue further degrees from Eastern Illinois University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.
In June of 1955, Jim proudly served his country by joining the United States Army, where he was a crew member of an Honest John Rocket Battery. He spent 18 months stationed in Hanau, Germany, with the 84th Field Artillery Rocket Battery.
After his service, Jim embarked on a long and dedicated career in education. He worked as a teacher in Gibson City, IL, and Lincoln, IL, before becoming a Media Specialist with the Clinton County Mobile Media Center administrated through the office of Regional Superintendent Norbert Moorlegan. He later served as the Superintendent/Principal of Oakdale Elementary School in Washington County and worked as a school bus driver for Breese Elementary School District. Jim also found fulfillment as a library assistant at McKendree College (now McKendree University) in Lebanon, IL.
Jim’s legacy reached beyond the classroom and into space. His name is listed on four NASA spacecraft: the New Horizons Mission to Pluto, the Dawn Space Craft Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the Deep Impact Mission to observe a comet, and the Mars Exploration Mission Rover in 2003.
A man of varied interests and commitments, Jim was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Breese, the Steuben Society of America, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Trekkers, and Delta Psi Omega Dramatic Fraternity. His contributions to the Breese Library Board of Trustees were notable, serving as President, Vice-President, and Secretary at various times.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte Bernice Sprengel; and brothers-in -law, Grover Everett and Gerald Cumby.
He is survived by his loving children, Lisa L. (Len) Brooks of Iowa City, IA, Lori L. (Carey) Andrews of Fairview Heights, IL, and Bonnie A. (David) Pinner of Lincolnshire, IL. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Natalie (Nevin) Bontrager, Stephanie (Evan) Voelker, Andrew Brooks, Ava (Alex) Taylor, Elsie Andrews, Matthew (Melissa) Pinner, and Jennifer (Chris) Wagman, as well as great-grandchildren Zion, Calvary, Gideon, and Silas Bontrager, Titus, Jude, Ricky, Jubilee, and Verity Voelker, Griffin Taylor, Liam and Cora Pinner; sisters-in-law, Patricia Everett, Linda Cumby, and Janet Cumby; cousins Barbara (Len) Krieger, Pat (Pete) Dillard, Margie (Phil) Poorman, Kathy (Gary) Baker, and Craig Waddell; as well as nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
The funeral procession will be leaving at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, from Moss Funeral Home in Breese for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service with Rev. Len Brooks officiating and full military honors accorded at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the Breese Public Library or Meals on Wheels and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
