Obituaries
James J. Gebhardt
December 18, 1946 - May 6, 2023


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VISITATION
May 11, 2023 | 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174 - Funeral
- May 12, 2023 | 10:30 A.M.
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St. John Neumann Church
2900 East Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174 -
Burial Location
Union Cemetery
James Gebhardt, 76, of St. Charles, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Jim was born on December 18, 1946 to the late Edward and Paula Gebhardt. He attended Oregon High School in Oregon, IL and graduated from Loras College, Dubuque, IA. As a Lieutenant JG, he served in the US Navy as a pilot. Jim enjoyed a successful career in group insurance with Prudential and Aetna.
Jim married Mary Lou Nasso on November 10, 1979 in Houston and together they created a beautiful family.
To know Jim was to be on the receiving end of his fierce loyalty, gentle soul, generosity and his robust smile. Jim loved gardening and attained the title of a Master Gardener. He was an avid golfer and at the Pottawatomie Golf Course hole #4, he achieved every golfer’s dream of having a hole in one.
Jim’s passion for travel began in the early 70’s while touring across Europe on his Triumph motorcycle. His sense of adventure allowed him the opportunities to visit and photograph all seven continents.
Following his retirement, Jim continued to be a life long learner and participant in his community. Jim spent countless hours serving the local community with his church, with the Knights of Columbus, with Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, and at Fermilab on the Citizen’s Advisory Board.
He passed his values onto everyone he encountered; values of hard work, faith, perseverance, kindness and love of family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, his son, Matt (Chicago) and his daughter, Sara (Chicago); his siblings Kathy (Glenn) Pille of Des Moines and Jack (Deb) Gebhardt of Whitefish Bay, WI; and many nieces and life long friends.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 East Main St., St. Charles, IL
Memorials can be made to the Knights of Columbus Council # 12497 at St John Neumann Catholic Church, St. Charles, IL. or Spectrios Institute for Lower Vision, Wheaton, IL or the charity of your choice.
Our family would like to say thank you to all that were a part of Jim’s life. We are humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers and support.
Condolences
Tom Brown from Houston, TX
"Jim, more family than friend, for the past 47 years. Godfather to our daughter. A true Gentleman in every sense of the word and a one of a kind great person. We will miss you more than words can express. Mary Lou, Matt and Sara, our deepest sympathies. We love you all and pray for you."
Linda Garriott from Napa , CA
"Kenny and I are so very sorry for your loss We met Jim a few times and he left a lasting impression of positivity and fun. Love and prayers to your family in this difficult time ❤️❤️"
Sam Havens from Barrington, RI
"Jim was such a loyal long term friend- It was in 1979 we met in Houston as we both struggled to build. Prucare Jim and Mary Lou welcomed this stranger from RI and even helped take care of my 7 and 2 year old kids. Jim had such an engaging upbeat personality it was no surprise he was such a successful sales executive I will miss all phone calls and his great love of life. My prayers for my friend Mary Lou and all the family. Sam Havens"
Tracy from Williams, IL
"Such a great blessing to be a friend of Jim! He was an “All-American” representing and living all those virtues that we all admire. He was selfless, sharing, kindhearted, loving, caring, a humble servant to all good causes, served his Country, adventurous traveler, a great student always willing to grow and learn, but even more importantly Devoted to his Family, Friends and Faith. A Complete Person and He lived his Life to the Highest each and everyday! Jim was my Friend and very fortunate to Our Mission at the Spectrios Institute at The Deicke House of Hope, he decided to help children and adults with vision loss accepting the role as our Business Manager in 2012 ( despite being retired)! He served 5 important years advancing our Mission!!!! I will miss Jim but will never forget his example, his smile and laugh! My heartfelt condolences to the Gebhardt Family and my Hope for a Great Celebration of the Life and times with Jim!!! Love and Peace Tracy Williams"
Steve Miller from Naples, FL
"Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of such a great guy. I have known Jim since I started my career with Prudential in Houston in 1982 and we were friends for over 40 years. Jim always had a smile on his face and a story to tell - I will really miss that. The world was a better place with “Gebby” in it."
Brian Castille from Pearland, TX
"I knew Jim through my wife's family - he was also her Godfather. No matter if it was hanging out in Pensacola on the beach, visiting with him in Chicago or hanging out in Houston, it was always a joy to be around him. He always had a smile on his face and it was always fun talking about the Navy, fishing, traveling, photography or baseball. Mary Lou, Sara and Matt, I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers."
Bob and Marjorie from Frisco, CO
"We are broken hearted. Jim and Marylou were our neighbor for 16 years close friends. For us, Jim was bigger than life with his boisterous laugh, loyal friendship, huge hugs, and his generous, loving persona. He touched our lives in immeasurable ways - we will miss the Mayor of Steeplechase. There is an empty place in our world with Jim gone. Marylou, Sara and Matt - know we are always here for you ❤️❤️❤️ Heartfelt sympathetic Bob and Marjorie"
The Spectrios Institute for Low Vision Team from Wheaton, IL
"It is with a heavy heart that we mourn Jim's passing. We were truly fortunate to have had him as a part of our family at the Spectrios Institute for Low Vision. Jim's passion for serving others led him to join our mission to help children and adults with vision loss, and he served as our dedicated Business Manager for five years, making significant strides in advancing our cause.We extend our deepest condolences to the Gebhardt family during this difficult time, and we hope that they find comfort in knowing that Jim's legacy will live on through the impact he made on our organization. His memory will continue to motivate us to carry on his work."
Mary Shutters from Milwaukee, WI
"Dear Mary Lou, Matt and Sara, I am so sad for all of you! And I'm sending you my deepest sympathy. I had first met you and Jim when at your home for Thanksgiving the year after my husband died. I will always remember how welcoming you all were to me then, and to my son, Greg, too (who was not yet an official member of your extended family 😊) Your home was filled with warmth and love. Spending time with all of you was heartwarming and it was clear right away that Jim was a great guy, so kind, and also a big part of the fun times at your home – like with the bingo game after Thanksgiving dinner. I am grateful to Jack and Deb for bringing me along to share your family with me. My condolences to Jack and Deb, Kathy and Glenn, too on the loss of a dear brother and to Britain and her sisters on the loss of an adored uncle. I wish I could be at the funeral to express my sympathy in person. You are all on my mind and in my prayers. Mary Shutters Milwaukee, Wisconsin"
Tony B. from St. Charles, IL
"Going to miss our neighbor who always had time for a chat and a visit with the dogs. Connor will miss your stories and the interest you always showed in him. Godspeed my friend!"
Bridget T. from Geneva, IL
"Jim was such a kind and fun soul! His enthusiasm for life and positive outlook were absolutely infectious! I only got to know him for a few years, but I will never forget him. He truly was a man among men. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Jim."