James J. "Jim" Probst, 70 of Effingham, passed away at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School or Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

Jim was born July 23, 1944 in Effingham, the son of Charles A. and Marie (Wernsing) Probst. He worked in Effingham retail businesses for Sears, Montgomery Ward and True Value. Jim owned and operated the Sears Authorized Catalog Center in downtown Effingham from 1985 to 1993. Jim was known for his expertise in the appliance and hardware business. He loved repair projects and the challenges they brought.

Jim enjoyed many outdoor activities throughout his life; hunting fishing, gardening and grilling out. He was an avid golfer, enjoying the challenges of the game and the camaraderie with friends. Traveling to various locations around the United States was a joy for Jim. He especially enjoyed the many trips to the Gulf of Mexico to relax, take in the marine life and beautiful sunsets, dine on a variety of fresh seafood and going for long walks on the beach.

Most of all, Jim was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many. No one enjoyed family more than Jim. He fought a long, courageous battle in his fight with cancer and knew his life was in God's hands.

Jim is survived by his brothers, Karl (Arthena) of Savoy, Gerald of Watson, Richard (Pat) of Effingham and Robert (Karen) of Watson; sister, Connie Aird of Effingham; brother-in-law, Joe Grummel of Deltona, FL; sister-in-law, Janet Probst of Effingham; loving friend and fiance, Jean Fruchtl of Effingham and her children, Bruce Fruchtl of OnAlaska, WI and Erin Fruchtl of Silver Lake, IN; nieces and nephews of which he was so proud; Greg (Lanie) Probst of Peoria, Karla Probst of Champaign, Tammy (Eric) Watson of Crestwood, KY, Gerald (Rhonda) Probst Jr. of Watson, Douglas (Jennifer) Probst of Watson, Jeff Probst of Champaign, Kim (Jake) Jansen of Sigel, Kristin Probst of St. Louis, Jason Probst of Effingham, Pam (Joe) Schumacher of Teutopolis, Justin Probst of Austin, TX, Megan (Jamie) Rieman of Watson, Jill (Jason) Piparo of Durham, NH and Brian (Brittany) Grummel of Rockville, MD.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David and sister, Barbara Grummel; brother-in-law, James Aird and sister-in-law, Nancy Probst.