James William Hagemann

EAST PEORIA - James William Hagemann, age 86, of East Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2024, at his home.

He was born September 9, 1937, in Peoria, a son to William Henry and Rosella F. (Pedreyra) Hagemann. After graduating with the Class of 1955 from Spalding Institute, James went on to study chemistry at St. Ambrose University and received his master’s degree from Bradley University. He worked as a Research Chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked for 35 years and retired in 1993 at the age of 55. On September 12, 1959, he married Patricia Ann Fredell at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria, and together they raised a family and cherished 64 years. James was an active parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church, where he served as cantor and sang with the St. Thomas Choir for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two sons, James M. (Lisa) Hagemann of Metamora and Steven R. Hagemann of Pekin; two daughters, Ann E. (Robert) Hagemann-Kearney of Metamora and Jennifer M. Hagemann (Crystal Evans) of Mount Zion; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Claire M. Cooper of Tremont.

James was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Judy Campbell.

Visitation will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with an additional visitation one hour before Mass. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate, and burial will follow in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Preferred memorials in James’ memory may be made to the St. Thomas Church Choir or St. Thomas Church.

Friends and family are encouraged to log on to www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share James’ memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary (309-688-4441).