In Loving Memory of James R. Mustard
James R. "Jim" Mustard, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Pekin, Illinois.
Born on June 30, 1936, to Ralph and Maxine (Woodley) Mustard, Jim was a man with a steady spirit and a strong faith. He worked at OSF St. Francis for 43 years, where he was known for being hard-working and dependable. Throughout his life, he had a quiet strength that made people feel calm and safe around him.
Jim lived by his beliefs and found his greatest peace in his faith and the simple, quiet moments of every day. He was a kind and honest man who always kept his word. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved every minute he spent with them.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Mustard; his daughter, Melanie (Eric) Schneider; and the stepchildren he claimed as his own: Dora (Terry) Robertson, Sam (Julie) Altpeter, Wayne (Stephanie) Altpeter, Chris Altpeter, and Angela (John) Armstrong. He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl (Garry) McBride, and his sister-in-law, Maxine Mustard. He also leaves behind 1 Grandson, Brett, and 16 step-grandchildren; Jennifer, Amy, Holly, Jeremey, Ryan, Brittany, Michael, Kristina, Michael, Audrey, Emily, Wade, Michelle, Thomas, Benjamin and Lexi, One Great grandson and many Step-great-grandchildren who will always remember his peaceful spirit.
As a devoted fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals, Jim rarely missed a game. Whether it was the first pitch of a summer series or a snowy Sunday kickoff, he was there—cheering, coaching from his chair, and celebrating every win. His dedication to his teams was a reflection of his dedication to life: consistent, passionate, and true.
In his final hours, Jim was wrapped in his favorite Green Bay Packers blanket, a comfort that symbolized a lifetime of fandom and the warmth he shared with those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of "Go Pack Go" and "Cardinal Nation" pride.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Maxine Mustard; his wife, Kathy (Bock) Mustard; his sister Judith Ann Mustard, as well as brother, Daniel Mustard.
A memorial service for Jim will be held on Monday, April 6th, at 6:00 p.m. at Pekin First Nazarene. Family and friends are welcome to a visitation starting at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Taps in Pekin, Ronald McDonald House of Peoria and The Center for Prevention of Abuse.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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