ROCHELLE — James Eugene Reints, “JR”, age 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 surrounded by family. James was born in Kings, IL on February 26, 1937, to Raymond and Frances (Terviel) Reints, the youngest of four children, two of whom preceded him in death. He married the love of his life, Margie L. Turner, to whom he was married for 66 amazing years. Together they had three children: Jim, Jeana and Randy. They settled and raised their children in Rochelle, IL. 

JR started his work career as a diesel mechanic working for Swift & Company, eventually he became an electrician as a member of IBEW 364 in Rockford, IL. JR had a passion for working on cars, racing them, tearing them up then rebuilding them just to do it all over again. He was a very talented mechanic and electrician as well as a jack-of-all other trades. There was nothing he couldn’t do. JR was, what they called in his early age, a “greaser”, but Margie had a big bar of soap and cleaned him up and made him presentable in more ways than one.

Over the years, he, his friends and eventually his children built several houses that became homes for their families. Jim and Margie had the gift of hospitality and always opened their homes up to all to plant seeds of our Lord and Savior in everyone’s lives as they lived out their faith. They enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. For years, they would hop on the Gold Wing and travel together exploring the country. Margie retired from biking long before JR, but gave him her full blessing as he continued his grand adventures with a friend. After he retired, they enjoyed working on many, many mission trips where he was able to use his mechanical ability to serve others. JR retired from the electrical industry at the age of 62, he walked in the office, threw his hard hat at his boss and said I quit; then he hugged his boss who happened to be one of his kids. A couple of years later, the Lord set them on a path to what he called his highest accomplishments. They bought a RV and started mission work with the Assembly of God RV MAPS group, (Mission American Placement Service). Every winter they would load the RV up with tools and material and head for generally “a warmer” climate. Thru MAPS they would go to work to build and/or remodel churches, parsonages, and Christian organizations such as Teen Challenge. MAPS took them to Florida, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Alaska and even to Hawaii twice, unfortunately for Hawaii they had to leave the RV behind. They continued their mission work until the age of 80.

JR leaves behind his wife, Margie; son, Jim (Kathy) Reints, daughter, Jeana (Xavier) Valdivieso, and son, Randy (Karen) Reints; seven grandchildren: Josh Valdivieso, Ben (Megan) Valdivieso, Gabe (Larissa) Valdivieso, Eli (Alison) Valdivieso, Tyler (Madison) Reints, Justin Reints and Shelby (Ulysses) Pinedo; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Chas Reints and plenty of nieces and nephews.

A huge thank you to Davita Dialysis for keeping him going the past 5-1/2 years and the entire team at Serenity Hospice care, specifically Kacey. You are all angels in our eyes and in our hearts.

JR insisted that we celebrate our time together on this earth and the trip he took to Heaven, where we believe Jesus himself met him at the pearly gates and said “Well-done good and faithful servant.”  Visitation will be held at Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, IL on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 2:00 -5:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at New Hope Fellowship Church, 1501 10th Avenue, Rochelle, IL on Monday, March 17 starting at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Dan Sergeant officiating.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Trinity Memory Gardens.  A luncheon will be provided at New Hope Fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.