Obituary: James “Crazy Jim” William Goebel

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

James “Crazy Jim” William Goebel

James William Goebel, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at his residence in Joliet. Jim was born on July 7, 1943 to the late Charles and Zita Goebel. He worked for Lyondell Chemical Plant in Morris for over 30 years. Following his retirement, Jim enjoyed staying busy working as a food sample server at some of the local grocery stores, possibly taking home more samples than he served. He also owned and operated Diamond Delite Ice Cream and Hot Dog Stand in Diamond for several years. Jim definitely enjoyed a good hot dog, as long as it wasn’t all beef.

Jim loved traveling and camping across the country, and shared that love with his family. Many trips were taken over the years, particularly to our nation’s National Parks, but also to any site worth seeing across the United States. He also enjoyed the “occasional” trips to the casinos, and loved the conversations and jokes he shared with the people he met there.

Jim is survived by his children, Judi (Rob) Galick, Jim (Jennifer) Goebel, and Jeff (Jodie) Goebel; his grandchildren, Liana (Richard Guerrieri) Stauber, Eddie Stauber, Gretchen Goebel, Zita (Albert) Castellucio, Palin Goebel, Hailey (Sam) Vogt, and Kasey Goebel; great grandchildren Benjamin and Amelia Vogt; sisters Charlene Nash-Hoel and Denise (Bob) Uzumecki; brothers Charles Goebel and Jerry (Pearl) Goebel; special nephew Dale Riola; former wife and dear friend, Judith Goebel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janet (Loren) Plant; brothers-in-law, Clarence “Skip” Nash and Conrad Hoel, and Sister-in-law Judith Love Goebel.

All friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Jim’s life on Thursday, May 9, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding with services at 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. Family asks guests to honor Jim by wearing his favorite color, hot pink, or a crazy hat, which he was known to always enjoy wearing himself. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.

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