James A. Speth, 67, of Mt. Carmel passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Gibson General Hospital. He was born May 7, 1953, the son of Lorna “Ferne” and David A. Speth of Allendale.
Jim had been in the plumbing and water well drilling business for 51 years. He joined his dad, David A. Speth and brother David “Danny” Speth at the David A. Speth Plumbing Co. in 1969. In 1976 the firm was renamed Speth Plumbing Incorporated after Jim and his brother took over ownership of the business. In 2016 he started J. Speth Water Well Drilling and Service.
He was very active in the community. He was a member and former trustee of the Allendale Fire Department. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of several fraternal organizations including the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 361 & 3066, Elks Lodge #715, the Moose and Sons of the American Legion Post 423 and the Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Wabash Valley and Wabash County Sportsman Clubs and he was in the Men’s Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4276.
Jim never met a stranger; he was happiest when he was spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed boating, attending Nascar races, traveling and delivering meals through the Friends of Christmas program.
He will be remembered by his daughters, Tia (Derek) Morgan of Allendale, Morganna (Jeremy) Thread of Mt. Carmel, and Whitney (Matthew) Bruce of Winston-Salem, NC; four grandchildren, Clay and Kelsey Morgan and Tripp and Taylor Thread; one brother, Danny (Vicky) Speth of Allendale; his nephew Chris (Carrie) Speth and family and his niece Heather (Brandon) Murrell and family; along with treasured friends Shad and Melissa White and Jackie Burnett.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Allendale Fire Department, 404 E Main St, Allendale, IL 62410, envelopes will be available at the funeral home and cemetery. Donations may also be made online.
There will be a drive-through visitation for friends and family from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm on Saturday, August 8 at Short Funeral Home, 527 North Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel (enter off 6th street). There will be a graveside service to follow at Allendale Cemetery at 4:00 pm.
Condolences and memorial contributions may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Speth family.
