James Horschler Obituary

Dr. James A. Horschler
Dr. James A. Horschler passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, peacefully in his sleep from a chronic illness. He was born on July 6, 1946, in Joliet, IL.
To fulfill his patriotic duty during the Vietnam Conflict and feed his love of the water, James joined the Navy. The Navy took him many places around the world. In Newport, Rhode Island, the service of his country and the service of our Lord brought him to the Serviceman's center. There he met the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Vallerie.
After the navy they headed back to Illinois, where he worked for Caterpillar for 30 years. While providing for his wife and 3 children he continued his commitment to Christ and pursued his Doctor of Theology. His ministry evolved through the years taking him where the Lord led him. He held many different positions in his ministry from mentor to pastor of 3 churches, touching thousands of lives along the way.
Family was very important to James. He spent years researching his ancestry, even traveling to Germany to further that research.
James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Vallerie E. (Pettingell); three children, Rebecca (Jeremiah Denton) Horschler, Beth (Christopher) Beck, William J S (Javina) Horschler; siblings, David (Valerie) Horschler, Susan (Mike) Prindiville, Daniel (Betty) Horschler, Steven Horschler; sister-in-law, Debra Pettingell; six grandchildren, Katlynn (Justin) Nutter, Devyn (Bridgette) Stone, Scherri (Brendon) Evans, Garrett Beck, William Horschler, Keara Gage; seven great-grandchildren, Keller, Silas, Addison, Briggs, Arianna, Stiles, and Kayden; nieces and nephews, Marjorie, Laura, Cheryl, Colleen, Matthew, Adam, Brian, Megan, Shawn, Lauren, Betty Lynn, and LV.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur J. and Marjorie F. Horschler; sister, Linda Gleason; sister-in-law, Linda Horschler, and brother-in-law, Stuart R. Pettingell.
Funeral Services for Dr. James A. Horschler will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor James are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.