Mr. James E. "Jim" Eager

Mr. James E. “Jim” Eager, 78, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away 9:40 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 19, 1943 in Galesburg to Everett R.D. and Margaret (Gilliland) Eager.  He married Diane Palmgren, August 20, 1967 at First Christian Church in Galesburg. 

Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Diane of Galesburg, three daughters, Tami Eager of Galesburg, Becky Tolle and Jami Eager both of Kannapolis, North Carolina, a sister, Yvonne (and Bill) Roos of Galesburg, and two grandchildren, Jason Tolle and Kinsley Eager.  He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Lori Eager. 

Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961 and later graduated from Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War for 4 years.  He was a mortgage loan officer for Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan for 20 years and later, worked for Maytag Manufacturing Company for 15 years as an assembler.  Jim was a lifelong member of First Christian Church where he was very active.  He served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee of the church.  He was a member of the choir, helped with the Blessing Box, and youth activities.   He was a member of Kiwanis Club, AMVETS, and Carl Sandburg College Foundation.  He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and FISH Food Pantry.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and baseball card collector.  He enjoyed bowling on area leagues, golfing and slow pitch softball.  Jim was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and Hallmark movies. 

Cremation will be accorded.  A visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at First Christian Church, Galesburg.  Rev. Martha Jean Fitch and Pastor Jordan Knight will officiate.  A committal service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg with military rites by the Knox County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or FISH Food Pantry.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. James E. "Jim" Eager, please visit our floral store.