Obituary

James Edward Albrecht, 76

May 20, 1947 to November 7, 2023

5-20-1947 - 11-7-2023

Jim was born on May 20, 1947 in Kewanee, IL the son of Harold and Agnes (Ryan) Albrecht. He married Laura Verkruyse on June 24, 1989 in Iowa. Jim was a lifelong grain farmer but also raised hogs for many years. Jim loved driving around and looking at his fields and their progress over the growing season. He followed the markets and even visited the Chicago Board of Trade when there were pits full of traders using hand signals and shouting out bids.  He loved watching people. He missed out on a lot growing up after his dad died.  So, in a large group of people, he would watch and learn.  Most of all he loved his family and cherished spending time with them.  Jim was playful and so funny.  He was telling jokes to his physical therapist the day before he passed.  He watched how his brothers-in-law would joke and play around and happily joined in.   

Jim was instrumental in getting wind towers to the area from attending meetings at the courthouse to landowner meetings and helping to get contracts in place.  He was a liaison between the landowner and the wind companies to see to it they treated the land right and repaired any issues that came up.   Lately, Jim was looking into solar farming down the road. 

His team from In Home Care Connection were great with helping to regain his strength.  They were there for him numerous times over the last 3 years. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Laura Albrecht of Tiskilwa; two daughters, Stacey (Rick) Fleming of Manito, Il and Katherine Albrecht of Bradford; six grandchildren; four siblings, Betty (Tom) Conley of Littleton, CO, Rosemary (Karl) Gaber of Peoria, Mary Lou Roos of Carmel, CA and Ray Albrecht of Menasha, WI. His brothers in law, Tony (Pat) Goldsmith, Ian (Tricia) Goldsmith, Shane Goldsmith, and sister-in-law Lisa Goldsmith.  Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews too numerous to count. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Thomas Albrecht, sister, Virginia Burton, a nephew, Ryan Goldsmith, mother-in-law, Maryella Goldsmith and a sister-in-law, Carol (Shane) Goldsmith.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. Private Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Wyanet Ambulance Service.

Online condolences can be left at Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes, Inc. | Princeton & Bradford, IL