Leo James 'Jim' Mize, Jr
Wood River | Save
Leo James 'Jim' Mize, Jr., 62, met his peace with the Lord at 1:45 p.m., November 9, 2016 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Born and raised in Wood River, the son of Leo and Isabelle (DeWerff) Mize, he was a lifelong resident of the Wood River area.
During his early years, Jim enjoyed playing baseball and running around town to the old corner stores, buying a "Coke" for a nickle. After graduating from East Alton Wood River High School in 1972, he went on to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to play baseball and earn a bachelor's degree in education in 1977. He met the mother of his two children, Teresa Arview in 1981 and they were married in 1987.
Jim had many accomplishments throughout his years. Ini 1981, he started teaching in the Bethalto Community Unit School District, where he taught High School P.E., 8th grade math and coached football and baseball. in 1996, he began teaching in the East Alton School District #13; later he coached baseball and football at EAWRCHS. He retired from teaching and coaching in May of 2015.
Along with his work, teaching former students and athletes, he was an avid powerlifter at Spartan Health Spa, Turner's Gym and Gold's Gym, setting national records for his bench press and deadlift. Outside the gym, he enjoyed fishing in his Ranger bass boat, watching his son play football and baseball at EAWR and Knox College, as well as his daughter cheer at EAWR and Illinois College. He had a passion for professional sports being an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.
He leaves his son, Adam (Cara) Mize; daughter, Lexie Mize; brother, Kevin Mize; sister, Cathy Johnson; his pride and joy, grandson, Remington 'Remi' James Mize, whom he looked forward to seeing and longed to hold; along with many other close family and friends.
A Memorial Service honoring his life will begin with a visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. Pastor Martin Schultz will officiate.
Private burial will follow in Woodland Hill Cemetery.
An educational fund has been established as a memorial for his grandchildren, as education has always been a high priority of his life.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
Mark's Mortuary
