James Eric Rentzel

James Eric Rentzel was born September 27, 1966 to Fred & Mae Rentzel. He grew up in Whitehall, Ohio with his older brother Fred. According to his brother as well as stories from many others, Jim was quite mischievous as a child, always getting into something! Though, beyond all of the crabapple fights and times that he had blown craters out of neighbor's yards, he was a very playful and social child which really stuck with him throughout the entirety of his life. He and Fred always share their many memories of pranking each other. Jim was very proud of the mischief and mayhem he caused as a kid.

As a child he collected many different animals, super hero figurines, comic books, and hot wheels. He always had a massive collection of video games with all of the consoles necessary to play them. In later years his interests included music, football, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends by going to see concerts or movies/events. He really enjoyed playing FPS games and was so proud of how far his skills had advanced. He enjoyed researching, becoming a subject matter expect on anything asked of him, and helping anyone out by working people through their problems and tough times. Despite what he might be going through himself he always had a way of touching those whom he had spoken with. 

Jim had an abundance of love and respect. He would do anything for anyone regardless of how long or how well he knew them. He became a safe space to anyone in need. He was a friendly guy and loved helping others. He was so resourceful. When someone would ask him for a favor, he would research for the best answer, best price, and best solution. He so easily struck up conversations with anyone that his family would have to tell him “Don’t yak, we have things to do!”

He was a hard worker who prided himself on always being the subject matter expert. He was wise and knowledgeable. Except for one Aunt that called him Jimmy, he was best known as simply Jim or James. However he did make some close connections on Xbox Live where he was known as Wookie. 

He graduated from Whitehall-Yearling High School in 1985. He married Christina in 1991 and together they had a son, Tyler. They remained married until 1994. Jim met his second wife Becky through a dating service. And this was even before internet dating. Her roommate Kelly would call up and tell her “Hey! You got another man in the mail!” Jim and Becky hit it off. He sent her roses on a weekly basis and a year later they were engaged. He eventually had a red rose blown in glass for Becky that she still has to this day. They went on to have two daughters together, Bailey and Brooke.

Jim was a Heidelberg press operator for 20 years. It was during his employment in German Village, OH running a printing press for Charlie and Ann Shornak that he met Becky. His amazing eye for detail and color made him the best printer in town. On occasion when he printed a card he was especially proud of he would bring an extra one home. 

In support of Becky’s job they moved to Illinois. At first he stayed at home but became too antsy. He found a part time job at Petsmart. It was a true fit. He knew everything about animals! He soon became manager of Pet Care. He had nothing but passion and love for all animals/creatures! 

This was actually initiated by their daughter Bailey. She came home from school and asked why they couldn’t go to Church like everyone else? They would drive by the “yellow church” and she would ask why we couldn’t go there. Amazingly enough… it was when Bailey was in second grade. This is the age of her first Holy Communion. When they moved to Illinois they continued to attend mass every weekend. 

Being a family guy, one particularly special thing was Thanksgiving. He loved cooking the turkey and would make the grocery list weeks in advance. He has a special recipe from Tyler’s grandparents for sausage balls and never missed the opportunity to make them. He loved wrapping Christmas gifts and setting up the tree. He and Brooke have a fun game they played every year with Christmas lights on the houses. 

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Fred and Mae Rentzel. He is survived by three beautiful children, Tyler James (Christina), Bailey Nicole, and Brooke Ann; grandson Lukas. Mothers of his children, Chris Nelson Rentzel, Becky Roush Rentzel and older brother Fred R Rentzel, Jr. He is also survived by his beloved pets, Benny and Wags. 

In his most recent years he could be found in his favorite chair doing yet more research on his phone. He did talk about missing Ohio and all the beautiful seasons in that part of the country. But his real escape? Music. All kinds of music. Especially classic rock such as ACDC, ZZTop, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Rush, Ted Nuggent, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Queen to name just a few. He was also very fond of his grandson Lukas and cherished his relationship with him.

In 2005 Jim and Becky went through the RCIA to be confirmed in the Catholic Church