James ‘Jim’ Edward Mehochko, 80, of Hillsboro, died at 6:15 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Hillsboro.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, on Tuesday, April 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Hillsboro with the Rev. Josh Manago, pastor of Auburn Christian Church, officiating.
Mr. Mehochko was born on Oct. 16, 1944, in Hillsboro to Albert ‘Bob’ and Velma (Kessler) Mehochko. He grew up locally and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1962. After briefly attending Decatur Community College, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his time in the service, Mr. Mehochko worked as a communications technician during the Vietnam War. His service was a point of pride throughout his life.
On Feb. 4, 1967, Mr. Mehochko married Geraldine Kessinger, and together they shared 53 years of love, laughter and adventure. Following his military service he worked at Firestone Rubber and spent many years driving a semi for Trans Il, TEI Express and Hyman Freightway. He later returned to Hillsboro where he owned and operated the family bar, Bob’s Tap, for 27 years–– not only running the bar but also the pool table and dart board.
Mr. Mehochko was a patriot, whose commitment ran deep. He was a longtime member of the VFW Post #3912 and a charter member of the AMVETS Chapter #16. During his time in Harristown, he was an active member of the Harristown Christian Church. He had a strong work ethic, sharp wit and a generous spirit. He loved fishing, gardening, canning and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Mr. Mehochko and Geraldine were seasoned travelers, often hopping a plane in search of a new adventure. He was a jokester and a fair and honest guy. He had great joy in raising his family and his beloved dogs, Daisy and Little Miss Nicky.
Mr. Mehochko is survived by his sons, Dan (Courtney) Mehochko of Auburn, David Mehochko of Butler and Joe (Shellie) Simmonds of Greenville; grandchildren, Curtis (wife, Cathy) Simmonds, Justin Simmonds, Mark (wife, Alicia) Mehochko, Michelle Mehochko, Dakota Mehochko, Jake Mehochko, Kaity Mehochko and Ben Mehochko; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Larry) Marquardt; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents, Albert ‘Bob’ and Velma; and wife, Geraldine, who passed on Jan. 30, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Adopt-A-Pet in Benld, Illinois or Hillsboro Area Veterans Memorial. Condolences may be left online at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
