James K. “Jimmy” Lockart was born on November 25, 1961, in Vandalia, Illinois. He passed away peacefully at home with his loved ones and dog, Maggie, by his side after fighting cancer on Friday, February 14, 2025. Jimmy was 63 years of age.
Mr. Lockart married Cindy S. Lockart on June 20, 2009, and she survives in Beckemeyer. In addition to his wife, Jimmy is also survived by his father, James F. Lockart; a sister, Cynthia S. Lockart; a niece, Sue Ann Kleiboeker and husband Jim; his nephews, Eric Lockart and wife Brooke, and Kyle Lockart; 2 step-daughters, Elizabeth Leroy and Heather Mollet and husband Tom; 2 grandsons, Tyler Leroy and Chase Leroy; a granddaughter, Alyssa Miller; a great-granddaughter, Havyn Leroy; 3 great nieces, Alisha Kleiboeker, Kenzi Lockart, and Evelyn Lockart; a great nephew, Tyler Kleiboeker; his mother-in-law, Patricia Gum; 3 brothers-in-law, Rick Groeteka and significant other Helen, Kevin Gum and wife Claudia, and Mark Groeteka and significant other Robin; a sister-in-law, Vicky Jackson; and a host of good friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol S. (Lowber) Lockart; his grandparents, Edward T. and Ina Belle Lowber; his father-in-law, Homer B. Gum; his uncles, Robert Lowber and wife Lelia; and an uncle, James Lowber.
James was a proud member of UMWA Local 2995 for 44 years, and a member of I.A.M.A. Workers Lodge 660 for 31 years. He worked as a coal miner for 10 years before 20 years of service at B-Line in Highland. Jim enjoyed fishing with his wife, deer hunting with his friends, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed football, especially the Green Bay Packers, baseball, messing in the garden, and working hard around the house. He enjoyed time with his little dog, Maggie, and took great pride in helping others with anything he could.
Jimmy was an amazing man with a heart of gold and the biggest smile that would light up any room. He made a huge impact on many lives.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Lockart are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.