James R. (Jim) Kensler, 68, of Keensburg, Illinois passed away on December 28, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana with his loving family right by his side.
He was born on September 26, 1957, in Lawrenceville, Illinois to Richard Hugh and Lorena Louise (Stone) Kensler. He married Colleen Renee (Kennard) on May 27, 1978, at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ and they enjoyed every minute of their wonderful 47 years together.
Jim was a very devoted, Christian man and a wonderful husband and father. He would do anything for his fellow man. He was a giving father and grandfather, and his family was the most important thing to him. He was known to all as a hard worker and very caring man throughout Wabash County.
Jim served as a Deacon at Keensburg Christian Church and was a very active member for over 43 years.
He worked as a custodian and maintenance person for Mt. Carmel High School for 33 years and was Wabash County Road District #5 Road Commissioner for 33 years as well.
Jim was a fireman for the Lawrence-Allison Fire Protection District for 5 years, the Keensburg Fire Department for 40 years and Mt. Carmel Fire Department for 6 years.
He is survived by his wife Colleen, and his children, Beth (Willis) Kelsey of Allendale, Illinois, Katie (Jared) Smith of Allendale, Illinois and Blake (Amy) Kensler of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and his mother, Lorena Kensler. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Konner Kelsey, Kollin Kelsey, Carter Smith, Claire Smith, Kason Kensler, Kyler Kensler and baby Kensler due in April 2026.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Richard Kensler.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Keensburg Christian Church or Mt. Carmel Fire Department Shop with a Fireman/EMS.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Keensburg Christian Church.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Keensburg Christian Church.
Private Family Burial will take place at Antioch Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences for Jim Kensler may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com.
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kensler family.
