Obituary of Jim Funderburk

Jim “Big Daddy” Funderburk of Richmond, Illinois and Punta Gorda, Florida passed away September 9, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife and children. Jim was born April 9, 1939, in Golden, Mississippi to Benjamin and Charlie Mae Funderburk. 

Throughout his life Jim resided in many areas including Red Bay, AL; Zion, IL; Winthrop Harbor, IL; Bluffton, SC; Fountain Hills, AZ; and Wadsworth, IL. Jim married Wendi Peters in Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Jim lived a very full and happy life. He moved from Red Bay, AL to Zion, IL with his parents and sister at 9 years old. At the young age of 19, he founded Funderburk Builders and fell in love with building custom homes. Over his life he built over 700 homes and buildings including The Oaks, Pines, and Woods subdivisions.  He was honored to receive Winthrop Harbor’s “Outstanding Citizen Award” for his role in construction and oversight of the Schlader Recreation Center and concession stand, and he served a few terms on the Winthrop Harbor school board. He also enjoyed the challenge of building Stone Creek Grill Restaurant 25 years ago.  When he would take a break from building, Jim enjoyed Chicago Bears football with his family, RVing with his wife Wendi, and taking numerous vacations to Acapulco.

Jim was loved and respected by many.  He had a very generous heart and was always lending his help and expertise to anyone who needed it. He was often the glue that held the family together.

Jim is survived by his wife of 23 years, Wendi Funderburk; daughter, April (Karl Leder) nee Funderburk; son, James “Jamie” (Aixa) Funderburk; son-in-law, Sul Jumani; stepdaughter, Kimberli (Karl) Hendrix; stepson Kevin (April) Mallek; grandchildren, Kyle, Kaden, and Mariana Funderburk; Conner and Mason Mallek, Brett and Hayden Leder; and Desmond Hendrix; niece, Deborah Osborne, and several great nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lorrie Funderburk; father, Benjamin C. Funderburk; mother, Charlie Mae Funderburk; sister, Nellie Osborne; and niece, Jane Bautista. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the First Baptist Church, 3001 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, IL from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private for the family.

The family would appreciate if you would please leave a memory of Jim on the tribute wall.