James L. von Brecht, age 70, of Belleville, IL, born on August 25, 1950 in St. Louis, MO, died on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at his residence.
James was an insurance underwriter for various agencies over his 40-year career, specializing in aviation and nautical insurance. He was a graduate of Chaminade High School and Drake University, playing soccer for both. James was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church, coached youth soccer teams, was an avid runner, golfer, reader, was a trivia master and loved all St. Louis sports. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandad and friend.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne M. von Brecht, nee Metcalf who died on May 17, 2019; and his parents, Corwin and Mary Ellen, nee Niedringhaus, von Brecht.
James is survived by his children, Caroline A. (Mark) Winham of Fenton, MO, Katherine L. (Jason Diekemper) von Brecht of Fenton, MO, and Thomas C. von Brecht of St. Louis, MO; his grandchildren, Cecelia Anne Winham, Simon James Winham, and Anne Frances Diekemper; his brothers, Richard C. (Nancy) von Brecht of Texas, and John H. (LaDelle) von Brecht of California; his sister-in-law, Lynn (David) McCarthy of Illinois; and his brother-in-law, John (Kristine) Metcalf of Wisconsin. James is also survived by his Boston Terrier, Baxter; and his parrot, Tyler.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL with Fr. Matt Elie officiating. Interment will follow at Greenmount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
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