CENTRALIA — James E. Langenfeld, 90 of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2022, at his home. He was born October 5, 1932, the son of the late Edward and Clara (Adams) Langenfeld. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Centralia Township High School. Jim Served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952. He earned his associate degree at Kaskaskia Community College and attended Sangamon State University in Springfield, IL. Jim married Marilyn Miller on June 28, 1952, and was blessed with three children. After they divorced, he then married Ann (Seaman) Langenfeld on November 21, 1982. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage.
Jim is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Glenda Kay Jordan and husband Wayne of Walnut Hill, son Guy Langenfeld and wife Vicky of Austin, TX, and daughter Jeanne Plassman of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Frisk and husband Maynard of Lakeville, MN, and Jane Greene of Centralia; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by both parents, one sister: Marian Heinrichsmeyer, brothers: Bud and Paul Langenfeld; nephew: Greg Langenfeld; and stepson: Scott Seaman.
Jim worked at Murray Developmental Center in the Activities Department where the residents enjoyed his open friendly interactions, ability to provide mentoring, and opportunities for productive work activities. He was proud of his opportunity to work with Silas Singh of the state of Illinois in designing accessible facilities at the Washington Co. State Recreation Area in Nashville. This provided Murray residents and other people with special needs, opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences.
Jim enjoyed his childhood years helping his grandparents Homer and Julia Adams on their 160-acre farm where he acquired his love of gardening and raising delicious tomatoes. Jim was proud when he enrolled his 80-acre farm in the Illinois Conservation Reserve Program and converted it from corn and beans to beautiful trees and a wildlife sanctuary. He enjoyed sharing with others his interests in knives, hunting, fishing, hunting rifles, classic country music, and photography. Jim had a knack for sharing his sense of humor through his many amusing stories of his everyday life experiences. Jim’s relationships with family and friends were touched with honesty, warmth, and an open heart. Jim lived his life in a Spiritual way that brought out the best in those whose lives he touched.
Others are asked to pay tribute to Jim’s memory by finding beauty in nature, bringing out the best in others, and expressing joy and laughter in their relationships.
Per James Langenfeld’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded and a celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1:30 pm at the Lakeside Chapel in Hillcrest Memorial Park with family friend Curtis Boehne officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Murray Center Parents Association and the Centralia Humane Society and can be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Langenfeld family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.