Published on October 5, 2026 9:30 am
Last Updated on October 5, 2026 9:30 am
James A. “Jim” Dietrich of Effingham, IL passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026. He had attained the age of 88 years.
An Elks Memorial service and a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Oak Ridge
Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home.
Jim was born at the home of his parents, Ted and Melba Dietrich, in Salem, IL on February 11, 1938. He was united in marriage to Frances Anne Schutte in Benton City, MO on August 21, 1960, and she survives his passing.
Jim was a 1956 graduate of Salem High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1960. He later earned his Master of
Education degree from the University of Missouri Rolla. Jim taught at Cairo, IL before coming to Effingham to teach mathematics. After his retirement from teaching, he opened JA-FA Photo
because of his love of photography.
Jim was a faithful member of the Centenary United Methodist Church. He was also a former member of the Effingham Park District Board and was the longest living member of the Effingham Elks Lodge No. 1016.
Jim loved the outdoors. He was a fisherman, gentleman farmer, and environmentalist. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, road tripping, westerns, and going to auctions to look for hidden
treasures. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Frances Dietrich of Effingham; two children, Penny Dietrich of Florissant, MO and Mimi Polczynski and husband Wayne of DuBois, IL; 3 grandchildren, Cara Mannczynski and husband Trebor of Carbondale, IL, Scott Polczynski and wife Alexis of San Antonio, TX, and Sam Polczynski of Los Angeles; 3.5 great-grandchildren Leo, Drew, Caz, and baby girl; and one brother-in-law, James Schutte.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to Elks National Foundation or Quail
Forever. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.