Joseph Kim “Kimmer” Eckleberry, 61, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Deaconess Henderson Hospital in Henderson, KY. He was born on December 25, 1964 in Fairfield, IL to Thomas & Dorothy (Orr) Eckleberry.
Kimmer worked as a mechanic for Rick Reed for 30 years, and then purchased the business in McLeansboro in 2021, renaming it Eckleberry Auto Repair. He was a member of the McLeansboro Eagles Aerie #2699 and the McLeansboro B.P.O.E. Elks #1882. He enjoyed fishing, cooking it up and frying it. He loved his family very much, and especially his mother, Dorothy. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who are his pride & joy.
Kimmer is survived by his mother Dorothy Eckleberry, 3 daughters: Maria Eckleberry & significant other Brian Strole, Jessie Millenbine, and Hannah Eckleberry; his grandchildren: Aden, Bryar, Jasper, Jameson, Chase, and Ashur; 2 sisters: Bonnie Hutchison and Arlene Gunter & significant other Jimmy Henson; and his aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Jefferson Eckleberry, his son Nicholas Eckleberry, his brother Gary Eckleberry, and his grandmother Doris Orr.
Funeral services for Joseph Kim “Kimmer” Eckleberry will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Bro. Curtis Rush and Pastor Matt Hart officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Springer Cemetery, north of McLeansboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with final expenses, and may be made to “Gholson Funeral Home”. Memorials will be accepted at the service, or mailed to Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
