Br. James Lammers, 74, passes away Jan. 25

Br. James Bernard Lammers, OFM, 74, passed away unexpectedly at home in Robertsville, Missouri, on Jan. 25, 2025.  

Visitation for Br. Jim will be held Friday, Jan. 31, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. George Church, 128 West Fourth Street, Hermann, MO 65041, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial at St. George Cemetery will be followed by a light luncheon at the VFW Post. 

Br. Jim was born on Aug. 8,1950, in Hermann, Missouri, to Casper and Rose (née Thuli) Lammers.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. George Parish in Hermann, and attended high school at St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary in Westmont, Illinois.  

On Aug. 30, 1970, Br. Jim was received into the Franciscan Order by Fr. Vitus Duschinsky, OFM, and entered the novitiate for legacy Sacred Heart Province at St. Paschal’s Friary in Oak Brook, Illinois. After his simple profession on Aug. 15, 1971, Br. Jim moved to Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, Illinois, for one year. He then returned to the Brother’s School at St. Paschal’s where he began learning basic carpentry and other practical skills.  In 1974, Br. Jim was transferred to Hales Franciscan High School on the southside of Chicago.  There he developed a true love for the African American community and sang in the Gospel choir at nearby Corpus Christi Church. He professed solemn vows on Sept. 27, 1975.  

In 1982, Br. Jim entered the carpenter’s apprentice program with the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council.  While living at St. Peter in the Loop, he worked on a variety of union construction projects across Chicago.  

In 1991, Br. Jim moved to Quincy College Friary where he helped on the maintenance crew.  Meanwhile, he worked on his higher education, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. From there, he returned to work in Chicago, living at Corpus Christi Friary and then at St. Gratian Friary.  

In 2001, Br. Jim moved to Teutopolis, Illinois to help with maintenance at St. Francis Parish. In 2005, he moved to Our Lady of the Angels at Greccio near Springfield, Illinois, to assist the older friars in need of medical care.  

In 2008, Br. Jim retired to Robertsville, where he still enjoyed doing various handyman projects and other fraternal service for the men in his community.  He had a great memory and could recall all kinds of curious details and incidental facts which helped him with his favorite crossword puzzles.  He enjoyed old movies and had an extensive DVD collection. Most of all, Br. Jim will always be remembered for his friendliness and love for others.  

Br. James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and his sister Mary Ann. He is survived by his brother Kenneth, his brother-in-law Lyle Fricke, and nephews and nieces Matthew, Jessica, Brandon, Jackie, Collin, Abby, Katelyn Brendan and Logan, along with the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.