James (Jim) was born on October 27, 1943, to Joseph and Margaret (Savoia) Menne. He graduated from Canton High School in 1961. After a short stint at Western Illinois University (WIU), he worked for International Harvester in Canton until 1968. On April 16, 1965, he married the love of his life Sandra (Sandy) (Ladda) Menne. Jim and Sandy had one son, Jim. Jim (big Jim) was drafted to the Army in August 1968 and was stationed at Ft. Baker, serving until November 1972.
After leaving the Army, Jim continued his education at WIU, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. After completing his degree, he worked at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield IL. Jim then moved to Graham Hospital (Canton, IL) as head of the Medical Laboratory from 1975 to 1984. Jim transitioned to Personnel Manager until he left Graham Hospital in 1987. In 1987, Jim and Sandy opened the Finishing Touch where they repaired and refinished furniture, giving them more freedom to minister and serve Jesus. They opened Furniture Etc., a furniture and cabinet store, in 1998.
While Jim never attended seminary, he passionately studied scripture, theology and was called to serve his local church. Jim was ordained on April 30, 2006. Over the years he was a faithful member and leader in several churches including Cuba Bible Church, Evangelical Free Church of Canton, Fiatt Independent Christian Church and City Church of Decatur AL. Throughout this time God nurtured a pastor’s heart in Jim.
In 2000 Jim was hired as Pastor Fiatt Independent Christian Church where he faithfully served until 2016. After the death of his wife Sandy in 2016, Jim moved to Decatur, AL to be near his son, daughter-in-law and grandsons. During his time in Decatur he found a community of believers at the City Church.
James was very involved and active in many things throughout his life. He loved fishing, hunting, woodworking and gardening. His dogs were always part of the family, Lightening being his faithful companion for the past 5 years. Most of all he loved Jesus. After accepting Jesus as his savior in his 30’s, his love for Jesus and the Bible grew deeper each year of his life. He was always looking for ways he could share the love of God with others. It manifested in him helping others, teaching, preaching and just caring about other people and their lives. He was in and out of the hospital quite a bit over the past few years. He always wanted to know how the nurses or doctors were doing and told them that Jesus loved them. This love was contagious and allowed God to reach people through Jim.
James was preceded in death by his wife Sandy, his grandson Luke, his parents Joseph and Margaret and his brother Joe. He is survived by his son Jim, daughter-in-law Diana, his grandson Aidan and his sisters Margaret Ann (John) Swalec and Mary Jane (Paul) Franciscovich.
Visitation will be held at Fiatt Independent Christian Church from 12-2pm on Saturday November 11th. Services will be held at the Church at 2pm. Graveside and dinner will follow the service. Interment will be at Fiatt Cemetery where a military service will be conducted by the Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post 533. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.
In lieu of flowers, James requested donations be made, in honor of his grandson Luke, to Luke C. Menne Memorial Fund for Counseling (part of The Eunoia Project). Donations can be made at http://eunoiaproject.org.
Eunoia Project
Attn: Luke C. Menne Memorial Fund
251 Johnston Street E.
Suite 100
Decatur, AL 35601
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