James "Jim" Edward Mehochko

James ‘Jim’ Edward Mehochko, 80, of Hillsboro, Illinois, passed away at 6:15 on the morning of April 11th, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Hillsboro, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Illinois. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be held as St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Hillsboro with Rev. Josh Manago, Pastor of Auburn Christian Church will be officiating.

Born on October 16, 1944, in Hillsboro, Illinois to Albert ‘Bob’ and Velma (Kessler) Mehochko, Jim grew up locally and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1962. After briefly attending Decatur Community College, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his time in the service, Jim worked as a communications technician during the Vietnam War. His service was a point of pride throughout his life.

On February 4, 1967, he married Geraldine Kessinger, and together they shared 53 years of love, laughter and adventure. Following his military service Jim worked at Firestone Rubber and spent many years driving a semi for Trans Il, TEI Express and Hyman Freight way. He later returned to Hillsboro where he owned and operated the family bar, Bob’s Tap, for 27 years - not only running the bar but also the pool table and dart board.

Jim was a patriot, whose commitment ran deep. He was a longtime member of the VFW Post #3912 and a charter member of the AMVETS Chapter #16. During his time in Harristown, he was an active member of the Harristown Christian Church. He had a strong work ethic, sharp wit and a generous spirit. He loved fishing, gardening, canning and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He and Geraldine were seasoned travelers, often hopping a plane in search of a new adventure. Jim was a jokester and a fair and honest guy. He had great joy in raising his family and his beloved dogs, Daisy and Little Miss Nicky.

Jim is preceded by his parents, Albert ‘Bob’ and Velma; and wife, Geraldine, who passed on January 30, 2025.

Jim is survived by his sons, Dan (Courtney) Mehochko of Auburn, Illinois, David Mehochko of Butler, Illinois and Joe (Shellie) Simmonds of Greenville, Illinois; grandchildren, Curtis (wife, Cathy) Simmonds, Justin Simmonds, Mark (wife, Alicia) Mehochko, Michelle Mehochko, Dakota Mehochko, Jake Mehochko, Kaity Mehochko, and Ben Mehochko; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Larry) Marquardt; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Adopt-A-Pet in Benld, Illinois or Hillsboro Area Veterans Memorial.

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