It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of James JP "JP" Pastorek of Montgomery, IL — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives he shaped.
James "JP" Pastorek, 67, of Montgomery, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
James leaves behind his loving wife, Patsy Pastorek; children, Kari (Travis) Smith, Christina Pastorek, Ashley (Andy) Covelli and Ariel Pastorek; step children, Chuck (Dawn) Runyan, David (Kelly) Runyan, Shane (Theresa) Runyan, Kristina Steele (Eric) and Misty Fricano; 20 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Lisa (Paul) Boudreau; the mothers of his children, Lorrie Kobliska and Cathy Pastorek; brother-in-law and dear friend, Jim Clark; sister-in-law, Susan Pastorek; niece, Amy Pastorek and good friends Dave and Sheila Rapp.
James was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Marylin Pastorek; brother, John Pastorek Jr. and sister-in-law, Diana Clark.
James was a man who had many amazing traits that his friends and family will forever cherish. He was an extremely friendly man with a huge heart who never knew a stranger. Everyone he met just adored him and his outgoing, fun personality. He was known for his silliness and his dad jokes that will never be forgotten. He enjoyed passing time hanging out with his friends and family, laughing and having a good time. If anyone ever needed to know if a storm was coming, James was the man to ask. He never skipped a beat notifying his family of any possible bad weather. James had many interests, including grilling steaks, watching his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Bears and Cubs, catching up on the news by watching Fox News and even following stories of the paranormal. He treasured his dogs, River, Brook and the late Sammy. James also loved music, both listening to it and making it. He was a member of two different country rock bands: Showdown and, later, Misty Water Creek. He played rhythm guitar and was also the lead singer in these bands. Above all these things, the one thing James cherished most was his time spent with his grandchildren, who he adored more than anything else.
James will be truly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Service date and time is pending, please check back.
