James "Gump" Gumprecht

James "Gump" Gumprecht, 77, of Crystal Lake passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.  Born in Woodstock on October 5, 1946, Gump was a steadfast pillar in the community. He married Diane Schnaufer on June 1, 1968, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake during a brief weekend leave.

A proud veteran, Gump served in the Army with stints at Fort Campbell, Fort Benning, and Fort Polk. He was later deployed to Vietnam, stationed in Hue at Camp Eagle as part of the 101 Airborne Engineering Division and served as far north as DMZ.

Gump spent over 35 years in the trucking business.   First with family owned, Gumprecht Trucking, then Preston Trucking, and Nippon Express USA.  After about six months of retirement, he began working at Redtail Golf Course in Lakewood until September of 2022.

Gump was the epitome of a family man. He passionately coached his children in baseball and softball, and later found immense joy in attending his grandchildren's sports games and dance recitals. Memories of him playing baseball in the backyard with his grandson just a month ago are a testament to his enduring love for the game. Known as Mr. Baseball, a highlight for him was a trip to Cooperstown, a mark off his bucket list.

Golf and baseball stood out as his favorite sports. Gump treasured the moments when he could meet up with longtime close friends for a round of golf or reminiscing about the past. Above all, he valued time with his family.  His legacy will be remembered as hard working, integrity, and dedication to those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Jeffrey M. Gumprecht, Marc A. (Melinda) Gumprecht and Wendy A. Gumprecht; grandchildren, Brandon Michael (Alyssa) Gumprecht, Tyler James (Lacey) Gumprecht, Madison Diane (Geoffrey) Gumprecht, and Jayden James Gumprecht; great grandchildren, Theodore Michael and Kane James Gumprecht; and siblings, Robert L Gumprecht and Christine M. (Paul) Moon; nephew, Michael (Andrea) and Justin (Heidi) Bogers; sister and brother-in-law, Joanie (Bill) Palmer and their children, Kevin (April) Palmer and Leslie (Jake) Reed; and brother-in-law, John Schnaufer; along with many other nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin H. and Joyce H. Gumprecht.

A memorial visitation will be on Thursday, October 19, from 4pm until the time of a service with military honors at 7:30pm, at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  An urn burial will take place on Friday, October 20, at 11:00am at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Addus Hope Foundation or Disabled Veterans Foundation .