December
04,
1964
04,
1964
April
09,
2025
09,
2025
James “Jim” Goellner, 60 of Earlville, IL passed away Wednesday April 9th, 2025, at his home. He was born December 4th, 1964, in Mendota, IL to Gerald Goellner and Patricia Clowers (Deery). He worked for Motor Wheel in Mendota, IL, then along with his father in the family tree business before taking over Jerry’s Tree and Crane Service.
Jim is survived by his loving/patient wife Deborah; was a proud stepfather to two stepdaughters Katrina (Michael) Gast of Earlville, IL, Ciara Simmons of Fayetteville, TN, and even prouder grandpa to three step granddaughters (Madison Voelkel, Millie, and Magnolia Gast) who called him Papa Goofy. Two biological kids Shyah Gross and David Arredondo of Mendota, IL, Father Gerald (Georgia) Goellner of Dixon, IL, Stepfather Danny Clowers of Clay City, IL, Brothers Alan Goellner of Louisville, IL, Steve (Dawn) Goellner of Marseilles, IL, Sister Tina (Scott) Hamilton of Earlville, IL, Stepbrother Steve(Brenda) Clowers, of Harding, IL, Stepsister Joanna(Michael) of Tucson, AZ, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his mother Patricia Clowers (Deery) and Maternal/Paternal Grandparents.
Jim owned Jerrys Tree and Crane Service for many years, where he was known for his hard work and dedication to helping others, even if it was a middle of the afternoon cat rescue. He cherished working alongside his dad in the summer months. As a true collector, he was passionate about his antiques and old toys. His sense of humor was unmatched often sharing vulgar jokes that brought laughter to those around him, often leaving people wondering if they should be amused or slightly offended. During COVID, he became famous for his exotic masks that never failed to make people laugh. After a long day of work, you would often find Jim at the Pine picking on his favorite bartender Megan while waiting on “two scoops.” Then it was home to pick on his wife who somehow managed to put up with his shenanigans for 17 years! He just loved to embarrass her but also loved her very much! Papa Goofy adored his grandkids, spoiling them with sweets and loved playing with them. Not only was Jim a family man but also a friend to many. He may be gone but his jokes and infectious laughter will echo in our hearts forever.
There will be a Celebration of Life open to the public at Shabbona Park 4165 E 16th Road Earlville, IL on June 21st from 2pm-8pm. Arrangements were handled and entrusted to Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville, IL. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Homes
P.O. Box 808
Earlville, IL 60518
815-246-6491
Jim is survived by his loving/patient wife Deborah; was a proud stepfather to two stepdaughters Katrina (Michael) Gast of Earlville, IL, Ciara Simmons of Fayetteville, TN, and even prouder grandpa to three step granddaughters (Madison Voelkel, Millie, and Magnolia Gast) who called him Papa Goofy. Two biological kids Shyah Gross and David Arredondo of Mendota, IL, Father Gerald (Georgia) Goellner of Dixon, IL, Stepfather Danny Clowers of Clay City, IL, Brothers Alan Goellner of Louisville, IL, Steve (Dawn) Goellner of Marseilles, IL, Sister Tina (Scott) Hamilton of Earlville, IL, Stepbrother Steve(Brenda) Clowers, of Harding, IL, Stepsister Joanna(Michael) of Tucson, AZ, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his mother Patricia Clowers (Deery) and Maternal/Paternal Grandparents.
Jim owned Jerrys Tree and Crane Service for many years, where he was known for his hard work and dedication to helping others, even if it was a middle of the afternoon cat rescue. He cherished working alongside his dad in the summer months. As a true collector, he was passionate about his antiques and old toys. His sense of humor was unmatched often sharing vulgar jokes that brought laughter to those around him, often leaving people wondering if they should be amused or slightly offended. During COVID, he became famous for his exotic masks that never failed to make people laugh. After a long day of work, you would often find Jim at the Pine picking on his favorite bartender Megan while waiting on “two scoops.” Then it was home to pick on his wife who somehow managed to put up with his shenanigans for 17 years! He just loved to embarrass her but also loved her very much! Papa Goofy adored his grandkids, spoiling them with sweets and loved playing with them. Not only was Jim a family man but also a friend to many. He may be gone but his jokes and infectious laughter will echo in our hearts forever.
There will be a Celebration of Life open to the public at Shabbona Park 4165 E 16th Road Earlville, IL on June 21st from 2pm-8pm. Arrangements were handled and entrusted to Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville, IL. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Homes
P.O. Box 808
Earlville, IL 60518
815-246-6491
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