James G. Smolik

Age 85, of South Wilmington, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at his home. Born May 31, 1938 in South Wilmington to the late Otto, Jr. and Elvira Lillian (nee Hockings) Smolik. Jim graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School with the class of 1956. He married his high school sweet heart, Mary Lou Anderson on October 10, 1959 in South Wilmington, where they made their home and raised two beloved children. He retired in 2000 from the Carpenter’s Union Local #916 after forty-two years of dedicated employment. He also served on the board of directors and was a founding member of the South Wilmington Fireman’s Club. Member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington and was a Third Degree Knight within the Knights of Columbus Braidwood Council #1574. He also dedicated many hours working on the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department, where he formerly served as the Fire Chief for twenty-five years. Jim took great pride in his small side business, “Smolik’s Saw Sharpening” and also had a love for hunting, fishing, playing guitar, riding around in his golf cart, dancing the polka, and most importantly spending time with his family. Surviving are two children, Monty (Natalie) Smolik of Diamond, IL and Michelle (Mark) Sorensen of Texarkana, TX; five grandchildren, Abbie (Landon) Bussey, Adam (Hannah) Sorensen, Mackenzie Smolik, Macallister (Cassandra) Smolik, and Madeleine Smolik; three great-grandsons, also known as grandpa’s little buddies, Mattis and Bowen Bussey, and Caden James Smolik; brother, John R. (the late Jeanne) Smolik of South Wilmington; dear cousin, Mary Kaye Gerrish; and special nephews and niece, Jason and Jeff Smolik, Tara Brooks, and Tadd Gerrish. Preceding him in death were his parents; and beloved wife, Mary Lou (nee Anderson) Smolik, whom predeceased Jim on May 28, 2020. Visitation for Jim will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 5- 8 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to meet at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, Braceville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the St. Lawrence Catholic Church or the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department would be appreciated. For more information and to visit his online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com.

James G. Smolik

May 31, 1938 - June 17, 2023

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James G. Smolik

May 31, 1938 - June 17, 2023

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About Us

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