James E. "Jim" Hemrich, Jr., 71, of Olney, IL, formerly of Atlanta, GA, passed away May 1, 2026, in Evansville, IN.

James E. "Jim" Hemrich, Jr. was born July 14, 1954, in Newton, IL to parents, James E. Hemrich, Sr and Dolores Marie Hemrich (Rennier). He married Merla (Higgason) Hemrich on June 29, 1974.

Jim made a career out of construction management. He worked himself up from digging ditches to becoming VP of Operations. Jim was fortunate to work alongside his son, Jimmie, for many years. It reminded him of the years he spent working with his father and how much he enjoyed that.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, family cookouts, NASCAR, and playing music. He was a talented drummer, piano player, trumpet player, and singer.

Jim was a proud grandpa (Paw-Paw) and enjoyed his time spent around the grandkids while living in Atlanta.

Jim had a unique personality and made friends everywhere he went. He truly took pleasure in cheering people up and will be missed by all those that knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Merla Hemrich of Olney; son, Jimmie Hemrich and wife Michelle of Atlanta, Ga; grandchildren, Austen, Joseph, Kenslee, and Jase Hemrich of Atlanta, GA; mother, Dolores Hemrich of Olney; siblings, Larry (Theresa) Hemrich of Terre Haute, IN, Steve Hemrich of Olney, Tom Hemrich of Indianapolis, IN, Vic Hemrich of Olney, Alvin Hemrich of Claremont, and Judy (Mike) Doersam of Sumner; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, James E. Hemrich, Sr and nephew, Corey Hemrich.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Olney.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Foundation Trust.