James Harold “Jim” Rima, age 87, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 7:04 a.m. Thursday July 20, 2023 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, surrounded by his family. He was born September 15, 1935 in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Harold and Macie Meyer Rima. On June 14, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Marie Meyer, in Postville, Iowa.
Jim was graduate of Postville High School and received a Bachelors Degree in education from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. He then taught high school for thirty years, and coached for thirty one years. He coached varsity level baseball, golf, football, and basketball. He was a teacher and coach for St. Patrick’s High School in Perry Iowa from 1958 – 1961, Ossian-DeSales High School from 1961 – 1965, Solon Iowa High School from 1965 – 1969, Union High School in Biggsville, Illinois from 1969 – 1976, New Hampton, Iowa High School from 1976 – 1986, and Westmer High School in Joy, Illinois from 1987 – 1988. He managed Hend-Co Hills Golf Club in Biggsville from 1987 – 1992, and owned and operated Crazy Mary’s Restaurant in Oquawka from 1992 – 2008.
Jim played professional baseball in the Baltimore Orioles Minor League system. He also played on the Amateur League Team in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, until the age of 50, when he pitched his final game in the Iowa Amateur State Baseball Tournament. In fact, his battery mate behind the plate in that final game, was his son, Craig.
In 1994, Jim was inducted into the Upper Iowa University Hall Of Fame. He was one of only two pitchers in the history of the university to record a win in two games on the same day.
In his spare time, Jim loved to golf, root for the Cubs, Bears, and Fighting Illini, and most importantly, spend time with his family. He enjoyed cooking, and was known as Grandpa Pizza to the grandkids.
Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth and the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, four children: Craig Rima of Biggsville, IL, Cathy (Ed) Anderson of Oquawka, IL, Judd (Gary) Rima of Keaau, HI, Julie Hunter of Oquawka, IL, eight grandchildren: Shawn (Amy) Parsons, Adam Parsons, Megan (Ned) Adams, Sara (Ryan) Daniel, Amber (Craig) Wise, Brandy (Trey) Anderson, Jon (Desiree) Anderson, six great grandchildren: Ellie Parsons, Wyatt Parsons, Alexis Daniel, Elijah Daniel, Jackson Adams, Stephanie (Grant) Schrock, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Chris Rima, one daughter in law: Karen Sue Rima, one sister in law: Joyce Rima, and two brothers: Gene and Neil Rima.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth. Burial will follow in the Biggsville Cemetery. No visitation is planned. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at Mama’s Place in Oquawka following the committal. Memorials have been established for Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab and Oakwood Estates Assisted Living in Stronghurst. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit Jim’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
