James C. "Jim" Klaustermeier, 77, of Benld, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born on June 25, 1949, in Highland, Illinois, to Vernon and Dorothy Klaustermeier of Edwardsville. He grew up in Edwardsville, graduated from Edwardsville High School, and explored several career paths before discovering his true passion-the open water, deep-sea fishing, and a life filled with salt air and sunshine.
On March 17, 1978, Jim married Lisbeth Dressen of Litchfield, Illinois. Together, they made their home in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 28 years before returning to Illinois to be closer to family.
Jim found his calling on the water, where he built a career as a sea captain. One of the highlights of his career was serving as captain of The Kokomo, a yacht docked in St. Petersburg. His work took him on countless fishing excursions with the yacht's owners and their guests, navigating the waters around the southern tip of Florida and up the coast toward Daytona. Those years provided Jim with a lifetime of adventures and stories, which he never tired of sharing. The sea was more than a workplace for Jim; it was a place where he felt truly at home.
But as much as Jim loved the sea, a good book, or an interesting story, nothing meant more to him than time spent with family. Visits with those he loved brought him joy, and the memories made together will remain a part of his legacy.
Jim leaves behind his sons, Brad (Carla) Klaustermeier of Bethalto, Illinois, and Eric (Karen) Parks of Boyertown, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Zachary, Kaylee, and Cole Klaustermeier of Bethalto, Illinois, Keaton Klaustermeier of St. Louis, Missouri, Robert Parks of Boyertown, Pennsylvania; and his great grandchildren, Tatum, Robert, Addy, and Peyton. He is survived by his sisters, Lois (Jerry) Kappler, Bev (Leroy) Engelke, and a brother, Scott (Cindy) Klaustermeier. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lisbeth; son, Jeff Klaustermeier of Bunker Hill, Illinois; his brothers, David Klaustermeier of Benld, Illinois and Vernon Klaustermeier of St. Petersburg, Florida; his parents, Vernon and Dorothy Klaustermeier; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Jean Dressen.
Arrangements are being handled by Kravanya Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Staunton Health and Rehab Center in Staunton, Illinois or Adopt-A-Pet in Benld, Illinois.