James McAuliffe Obituary

James "Jim" Lee McAuliffe, age 67, of Apple River, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 12, 2025. The son of Leo and Lois (Foy) McAuliffe, Jim was born on February 10, 1958, in Freeport, IL. He was raised in Lena, IL where he graduated from Lena- Winslow High School in 1976. Jim met the love of his life Sherry in Monroe, WI when he stole a dance and that changed their life forever. He married Sherry Miller on April 29, 1978, at the United Methodist Church in Warren, IL and together they raised a family. In 1980 they purchased their home in Apple River and raised their two children, Samantha and Quentin, there.
Jim was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. He was a skilled mechanic, working for a shop in Stockton, IL and implement dealer in Darlington, WI. He often had neighbors and friends calling him to help fix tractors and other farm equipment. He had a long love for trucking, he helped Lobdell and Werhane trucking in Lena. His true pride and joy were his over the road trucking business, McAuliffe Trucking, that was located in Apple River, IL and being a farm hand to Loui Risner in Warren for many years.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and going to the Apple Canyon State Park. He would often get calls from friends to fix their lawn tractors and other small engines. Jim was a retired Apple River Fireman that served his community for decades.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sherry of Apple River, IL; daughter- Samantha (Mark) Nethery of Janesville, WI; daughter-in-law – Sara McAuliffe of Winter Haven, FL; 2 grandsons- Dawson Nethery and Lincoln McAuliffe; 2 sisters- Nancy (Paul) Monfre of O'Fallon, IL and Sue (Jerry) Culp of Edwardsville, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, son- Quentin, and sister Donna (Doug) Spinhirne.
A memorial service will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL. With a visitation from 12:30 until time of service.
Matthew Mitchell will be officiating the service.
Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
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