James Cange Obituary

James J. Cange

November 5, 1938 - March 25, 2026

Fairview Heights, Illinois - James J. Cange Sr., 87, of Fairview Heights, IL, formerly of Swansea and Nashville, IL, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home.

Jim was born to Joseph and Marguerite Cange in Belleville, Illinois, where he spent his childhood with his younger sisters, Judy and Betty Sue. His love for music blossomed during those years, listening to the family radio. He loved all music, but particularly loved rock and roll. While attending St. Mary's Grade School, he met the love of his life, Carol Springer. Soon after graduating from Cathedral High School, the two married on January 11, 1957 in Mississippi.

After high school, he enlisted in the army reserves, where he served from 1957-1963 as a Sargent 1st Class Supply Specialist based first out of Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and then Camp McCoy, WI. As a dedicated family man, he opted not to re-enlist to focus on his growing family and a career, working multiple jobs at one point including: Rinks, Dewein Towing, and Hikens. He earned his Illinois pharmacy technician license and got a job at Stiehl Drugs as a pharmacy technician and, eventually, store manager, where he worked for 20 years. It is through this position that he befriended people from all walks of life and discovered his love for public service…a perfect fit for his social personality and gift for gab. He soon joined the Village of Swansea where he served multiple roles for 24 years. After leaving Stiehl Drugs, he worked for Jack LeChien doing title searches, eventually joining the St. Clair County Housing Authority, where he wore many hats including: housing inspector and warehouse manager. It is during his employment at the Housing Authority that Jim enrolled at Belleville Area College to learn computer science and real estate. As he neared retirement, he and Carol began to plan for their golden years by moving into their dream home in Nashville, Illinois to enjoy country living. He finally retired from the Housing Authority after 20 years. Anyone who knew Jim well knew that "being retired" didn't actually mean "retired." His hard work ethic and need for socialization led him to find employment with Jim McDonald building outbuildings, the Nashville Kroger and then the Nashville Tractor Supply. He finally "fully" retired at the age of 85.

Jim accomplished many things in his life, but one of his biggest prides and joys (outside of his family) was his involvement in the Illinois Amateur Fastpitch Softball Association. He played for several teams at Southside Park for 10 years. His talents landed him a spot into the Hall of Fame and a lifetime MVP. He was also an avid bowler, playing in both men and couple (with Carol) leagues at Bel-Air Bowl, and golfer, playing in leagues at Yorktown Golf Course and Nashville Municipal Golf Course. When he wasn't golfing, he was cheering and cursing the St. Louis Cardinals and following horse racing. He was a dedicated volunteer with multiple organizations, always advocating for the "little guy." He was most proud of his recent involvement with the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital advisory board where he worked to improve patient care. He was also an avid traveler, having visited all but three of the 50 states.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marguerite (Palmer) Cange, sisters Judy (Don) Dewein and Betty "Sue" (Gene) McCauley, son James Cange, Jr., and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Left to mourn his passing are his best friend and wife, Carol (Springer) Cange; six children: Rhonda (Mike) Evans of Nashville, IL, Keith (Michelle Szwedo) Cange of Belleville, IL, Beth (Kevin) Boyne of Waterloo, IL, Barbara Alexander (John Suarez) of Belleville, IL, Patty (Mike) Dieckhaus of Camdenton, MO, and Christie (Matt Erker) Cange of St. Louis; grandchildren Tory Bornholdt, Ali Cummins, Nino Evans, Trevor Gruenewald, Emily Geromiller, Kayla Smith, Jacob Cange, Derek Sauget, Austin Sauget, Maddie Bolt, Devin Alexander, Quenten Alexander, Haley Elmore and Hayden Granda; 22 great-grandchildren; his best friend, "brother" and golfing buddy, Rollie Thouvenot and countless cousins and friends.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are preferred.

Visitation: Visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville.

Services: Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Msgr. Bill McGhee officiating.

A tree dedication and celebration of life will be held at a later date.