James O. Pretzsch

     James O. "Jim" Pretzsch, 74, of Carmi passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.  He was born in Carmi on July 12, 1948 the son of Robert Orval Wesley and Lillie Elizabeth (Cartmill) Pretzsch.  Jim graduated in 1967 from Carmi Township High School and went on to graduate from Wabash Valley College with a degree in Diesel Mechanics.  On February 11, 1972, Jim married Patricia A. DeLong. At that time, he was working for Alysworth Oil. Jim went on to work for Superior Oil, Mobil Oil and Duke Energy in Oklahoma. Jim and Patty returned to Carmi, where he worked for WADI and as a truck driver for various farmers and agriculture companies.

     Jim was a proud US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Hamilton County Ageless Iron. Jim enjoyed gardening, was an avid collector and always enjoyed finding a good sale. He also enjoyed following his grandkids around and supporting them in their various activities.

     Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patty; a daughter, Carrie (Brad) Gates of Carmi; two grandchildren, Joseph and Alexus Gates; siblings, Robert (Barbara) Pretzsch of Gulf Port, MS and Linda (Ron) Lounsbery of Hillman, MI; his mother-in-law, Betty DeLong; brother-in-law, Gary (Norma) DeLong; aunts, Jessie Cartmill and Anna Jones; an uncle, Charles Cartmill; and numerous nieces and nephews,

     Funeral services for Jim Pretzsch, 74, of Carmi will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Stendeback Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will follow in Kingdom Cemetery in Carmi with full military honors by the Carmi American Legion and VFW.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Stendeback Funeral Home in Carmi.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the Carmi White County High School FFA or Maunie Methodist Church and will accepted at Stendeback Funeral Home or by mail to 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821.