James K. “Jim” Ehrhart, age 89 of Clinton, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, IL. A Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Prince of Peace Parish. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 1st at the Pape Funeral Home where a rosary will be recited at 6:45 PM. Burial will be at St. Irenaeus Calvary Cemetery.

Jim was born in Clinton on April 24, 1932, the son of Earl and Rose (Simon) Ehrhart. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1950. Jim served 8 years with the US Naval Reserves. He married Wynne Ann McGonegle on June 26, 1954 at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. Wynne Ann passed away on May 2, 2017. Jim worked at the family business, Ehrhart Texaco Heating and Oil. He’d also been employed at O’Reilly Auto, McEleney Motors, and Culligan Water. He was known as “Waterman Jim” as he delivered water in the surrounding area. He also enjoyed driving the special needs bus for the Camanche School System. He had a love for music and was an avid piano player, playing in bands throughout the area.

Jim was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, the AMVETS, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and the former Odeon Club. He coached Little League baseball and men’s softball for many years. An avid bowler, Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Clinton Bowling Association and had been inducted into the Clinton Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Jim enjoyed playing cards, telling stories, and getting to know people. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Jim is survived by 6 children; Robin Ehrhart of Clinton, Julie (Jerry) Michelsen of Sabula, Michael (Cleta) Ehrhart of Mt. Juliet, TN, Rita (Dan) Eisma of Omaha, Nancy Morgan of Marion, IA, and Mary (Kelly) Adkins of Troy, MO.; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Patricia (Hank) Van Veen; several nieces and nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wynne Ann; a son-in-law, Scott Morgan; a sister, Louise Walters and a brother, Ben. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.