James E. “Jim” Reniche, 63, of Normal, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home in Normal.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and his funeral will be held immediately after at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with his best friend Rev. Jason Damkoehler officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Journey Church, Normal.
Jim was born November 28, 1961, in Glendale, AZ, the son of Jack Richard and Mary Margaret (Timmons) Reniche.
He is survived by one sister, Theresa (Vern) Speicker of Clarksville, TN; one niece, Jennifer Speicker of Clarksville, TN; one nephew, Scott Speicker of Shawnee, KS; and three great-nephews, Chance Speicker and Xander Farel of Clarksville, TN, and Oliver Speicker of Shawnee, KS.
Jim is also survived by his adopted Illinois family, Jason (Nancy) Damkoehler and their children, Luke (Sophie), Clay (Leslie), Kole, Nina, and CeCe Damkoehler, all of Bloomington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Christie Reniche.
Jim graduated from Illinois State University and worked as a software developer for State Farm Insurance Company.
He was a lifelong member of Journey Church in Normal, where he faithfully served for many years, playing bass guitar on the worship team, running the sound system and spending countless hours untangling all the wires that would get moved on him. Jim was known for his love of Jazz music. He was also an avid lover of cameras and photography, a guitar enthusiast, and a runner and powerlifter. Jim famously once bench pressed 525 pounds (and lived to tell about it).
But perhaps most of all, he was known by many as “Uncle Jim”, a beloved man who loved spending time with family, friends and the Damkoehler kids. His quiet generosity, quirky humor, and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He was a true servant, a true brother, and a true friend. Jim loved Jesus with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.