James Joseph “Jim” Widmyer

James (Jim) Joseph Widmyer, 79, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. James was born on December 3, 1946, to Joseph J. and Marian E. (Holz) Widmyer. A celebration of his life will happen at a later date.

                Dad married his sweetheart, Janice (Hocking) Widmyer on November 21, 1970, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. After living in Dubuque for a few years, they moved to East Dubuque where he built his first of two houses and his family memories. Dad was a hard worker and had many jobs, including a carpenter and positions in the finance sector.

                Dad was an avid Notre Dame fan, where he wrestled for the Irish after attending Dubuque Senior. His nickname with the Irish was Flex. On most Saturdays in the fall, you could find him watching the Irish with his family, celebrating when they did well and screaming at the tv when they played poorly. Dad could name every player on the team and followed recruiting very closely. Dad loved talking to anyone and everyone about the Irish.

                Being a natural academic scholar, Dad loved to read and educate himself. He obtained two bachelor’s degrees and loved getting the highest scores in his classes. He built a large library in his second home, where you could expect to find him to be sitting and reading during his free time. When he discovered one of his children was reading a book, he’d have to get the same book and read it himself. Dad also was an avid exerciser and weightlifter. When he wasn’t reading, you could also find him downstairs in his gym – reading during sets.

                Above all, the most important thing in his life was his family. Dad loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s birthday parties, celebrations, and sporting events. After attending an event, he always made it a priority to tell everyone a funny story or an update on a sporting performance. Back in ancient times, he loved going to Nicole’s swimming meets. More recently, Dad was a regular at his son Justin’s softball games and routinely would stick around after having a beer and chat about the game and life. Dad enjoyed exchanging jokes with his daughter, Jessica, and loved his daughter Angie’s cooking. He and Jon had a special bond, coaching him in baseball for several years and watching most Notre Dame games together. All of his children still argue about who was his favorite.

                Surviving are his wife, Janice, and their five children; Nicole Widmyer of Santa Monica, CA, Angela (Tony) Noel of Peosta, Justin Widmyer of Dubuque, Jessica (Greg) Wilson of Cedar Rapids, and Jonathan Widmyer of East Dubuque. Ten grandchildren: Milo and Linus Perkins of Santa Monica, CA; Colin, Carter, Gabe, and Josie Noel of Peosta; Caden, Jack, Ellie and Henry Wilson of Cedar Rapids. He is also survived by his two siblings; Thomas Widmyer of Madison, WI and Margaret Widmyer of Dubuque; two sister in-laws; Joyane (Mike) Sullivan and Joyce (Kenny) Moore, both of East Dubuque; three brother in-laws; John “JT” (Linda) Hocking of Kieler, Mike (Joanne) Hocking and Thomas “Otto” (Barb) Hocking both of Dubuque.

                Preceding James in death are his parents, father and mother in-law; Thomas J. and Rosemary (Runde) Hocking, and brother in-law Larry Vize.

                The family would like to thank Hospice for the kindness and loving care they gave dad, especially Jessica and Chris W.

                In lieu of flowers, the family has established a James J. Widmyer Memorial Fund.

                Online condolences for James’ family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com