Published on September 18, 2025 10:52 am
Last Updated on September 18, 2025 10:52 am
James R. “Jim” Musser, 90, of Shumway went to Jesus on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Haven of St. Elmo, St. Elmo, Il.
Services will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday September 27, 2025 at the Fourth Street Church of Christ in Effingham. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm prior to the service. Burial will be in Beecher City Cemetery at a later date.
Jim was born on October 19, 1934 in the family home in Loudon Township, Fayette County, Illinois, the son of Si and Ruth (Wood) Musser. He married Lucille Walls on September 3, 1960. Jim is survived by his 3 daughters, Beth Koester of Stewardson, IL, Cindy (Tim) Goeckner of Olathe, KS, and Emily (Erik) Shay of Watseka, IL; grandchildren, Hilary Koester of Altamont, Mackenzy Koester of Shumway and Matt (Jessica) Koester of Stewardson, Ryan (Alex) Goeckner of Coopersburg, PA, Mason (Zach) Goeckner of Mansfield, TX, Logan Goeckner of Olathe, KS, Ethan and Eli Shay of Watseka, IL; great-grandchildren, Keaton Sawyer, Hadley Sawyer, Silas Koester, Wade Koester, Juniper Goeckner and Rowan Goeckner. Jim was a devoted husband and father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He graduated from Beecher City High School in 1952 and enlisted in the Army and served until 1955 in Taiwan. He came back to Effingham, married and worked at Fedders. Later, he became co-owner of Wade’s Farm Supply, Dieterich. In 1986, Jim proudly joined the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1999, but returned to work the following year. Jim was a talented wood worker. He could make anything but his true passion was toy trucks and farm machinery. His daughters are blessed with tables, cabinets, jewelry boxes and more. His grandchildren were gifted, dollhouses (including the tiny furniture) and so many trucks, tractors, and trains. Over the years, he donated many toys to the sheriff’s department. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and his friends and was an avid bird hunter. He loved dogs of all kinds, from bird dogs to lap dogs, especially his girl, Sadie. Most of all, Jim will be remembered for his kindness and love. He gave the best hugs.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, his parents, in-laws, Fay and Pearl Walls, brothers, Roland Musser and Don Musser, and son-in-law, David Koester.
The Musser family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Haven of St. Elmo. Their kindness and caring meant the world to our family, especially Jim. Also, thank you to Transitions Hospice Care for their care and compassion.