James "Jim" Van Stechelman

James “Jim” Van Stechelman, 84, of Plainfield, IL, formerly of Orion, IL, passed away on August 24, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Plainfield, and in the loving presence of family.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd from 9am to 11am at the Orion United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held immediately after at the Church followed by a luncheon downstairs.

Jim was born on September 2, 1941, in Atkinson, IL, the son of Joseph and Winifred Van Stechelman. Jim graduated from St. Ambrose University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He worked for Case International Harvester for 37 years. He was also a Certified Tax Consultant, and did seasonal tax work.

Jim married the love of his life, Lorna, 64 years ago and together they raised Greg, Holly and Heather in their home in Coal Valley. As the kids spread their wings and flew in different directions, Jim and Lorna traveled in their retirement years to visit the growing families as grandkids entered the picture. Jim’s grandkids were the light of his life, and he was so grateful for every minute he spent with them, and filled with pride as they grew up into amazing human beings…something they learned in large part from their Grandpa.

Jim’s biggest passions in life were his family, the Church, and being an active participant in the communities he lived and served. He was on several church committees, he was an Orion School Board member for years, and then later in life he served as the President of his local HOAs in Florida and Illinois.

Other things that brought him a lot of joy were the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Neil Diamond…and a good home-cooked meal. Jim had a superpower of smelling free donuts from a mile away. He was equally skilled at remembering birthdays and sending or hand-delivering cards to all family and friends. And he always took the time to learn about what was important to others, and then made sure to acknowledge those events – whether it was celebrating the wins, or being there to support and encourage us during tough times.

Jim’s heart and humor connected him with so many people. He was an incredible dad, husband, grandpa, uncle and friend. The impact he had on those around him will far outlast his days here. And while in the end, it seemed like too few days, in retrospect it was a life well-lived and well-loved.

Survivors include his wife, Lorna; children, Holly (Andy) Matznick and Heather (Jason) Lazzara; grandchildren, Anna, Abe, Olivia, Nate; step-grandchild, Carrie (George) Menke; step-great grandchildren, Brooke and Camryn; as well as his extended Van Stechelman, Taets and Johnson family.

He was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Pam; brother, Jack; sisters, Joy Johnson and Sylvia Taets.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.

Memorials may be made to the Habitat of Humanity where Jim volunteered and helped build a home for a displaced family in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.