Jimmie Lee Umphfleet

Jimmie Lee Umphfleet, 82, of New Lenox, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on May 13, 2023, surrounded by family at Amita Hospital, Joliet, Illinois.

Jimmie was born on November 10, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa to Roy and Meda (Dennis) Umphfleet.

Jim lovingly referred to himself as “if you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much” for most of his life. He was a small business entrepreneur for most of his life from owning a bowling alley, a cable construction company, to janitorial and maintenance businesses. He was a reliable fixture in his Grace Church community for many years; loved by his many clients, colleagues, and friends throughout the years. He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan and let everybody know it! Jim was a proud veteran as he served in the United States Air Force as a canine trainer and forever missed his German shepherd “Willy.” As a devoted patriot, Jim loved patronizing local restaurants in the community and would always be looking for fellow veterans as well as the local high school ROTC members and picking up the tab and thanking them for their service.

Jim was known to be the life of every party. He loved nature, bowling, hunting, travelling with family on group vacations, and being the “headliner entertainment” at any family event. Jim collected every oldie’s music collection that caught his eye, which could often be heard playing from his home (loudly).

Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, his daughter Kelly (Umphfleet) Snyder, his brother Roy Umphfleet, Barbara Snyder, Wilma Stapleton, Eleanor Caldwell, and Betty McGrew. He is survived by his wife, Diana Casey-Umphfleet; his stepson Joshua John Casey (Kayt); his grandchildren Emberlyn Grace Casey and Colston John Casey. He is also survived by his brother, Richard “Dick” Umphfleet, the “last of the Mohicans”, and by a tribe of nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews who he loved dearly as well as extremely close lifelong friend Chris Davis, Des Moines, IA.

A visitation and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 12-4 p.m., at the Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 Francis Rd., New Lenox, IL 60451. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories. The family encourages attendees to wear their favorite Iowa Hawkeye or Veterans attire.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jim’s two favorite charities that he has supported for many years: Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.

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