James David "Jim" Ecker, 71 of Paxton, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at his home.

The family will greet friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton.  A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Pat Allin officiating.

A private burial will be held at Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Jim was born September 3, 1951, in Paxton the son of Carl F. and Wanda M. Bean Ecker, Sr.  He married Sandra L. Marshall November 20, 1971, in Paxton.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Sandy, he is survived by one son, Bradley D. (Nicole) Ecker of Cissna Park; three daughters, Jennifer L. (John) Anderson of Paxton, Amanda M. (Jeff) Gronsky of Downs, Holly E. (Mark) Hileman of Loda; nine grandchildren Jordan (Alyssa) Anderson of Los Angeles, CA, Mackenzie (Jonathan/ Madison) Smith of St. Petersburg, FL, Mason Ecker of Cissna Park, Hunter Anderson of Paxton, Jarred Gronsky of Downs, Mallorie (Kellen) Ecker of North Carolina, Makenna Ecker of Paxton, Eva Hileman of Loda, Jacob Gronsky of Downs, Danielle (Killian/ Sienna) Misner of Frankfort, IN; three great grandchildren and one on the way; three sisters, Carla (Tom) Ecker of Minnesota, Donna (Ron) Luhrsen of Kankakee, Laura (Wilmer) Tholen of Buckley; and three brothers Carl F. (Valerie) Ecker, Jr. of Momence, John Ecker of Chrisman and William Ecker of Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim graduated from Buckley-Loda High School in 1969.  He retired as a crane operator with IUOE Local 841, Terre Haute, Indiana.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton.  Jim coached Little League and assisted with adult softball.  He loved his Harley, the outdoors, hunting and fishing.  But his greatest love was his family and watching his grandkids doing the things they were involved in.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Paxton or the PBL Education Foundation.  Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com .