Jim Noeth, 67, died January 1, 2024 after a battle with cancer. Noeth and his wife, Pattie, have been familiar faces in the Illinois Baptist family. They served with Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief and Campers on Mission. In retirement, the Noeths often served at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp.
“He could often be found working on one of his many projects, improving this campus one thing at a time,” said camp manager Brock Vandever. The Noeths had volunteered at the camp near Pinckneyville for more than eight years, often parking their camper on the grounds to stay close to the work—and the ministry.
“He led by example and took time to impart his vast knowledge to the younger generations in anything that he could, whether it was electrical work or sharing a Scripture with them. He especially loved summer camp season when kids were having fun and learning about Jesus. He never passed up the opportunity to do laser tag as a moment to share Jesus with them and ultimately, he had as much fun as the kids did,” Vandever said.
“He truly saw this camp as his ministry calling and lived that out, day in and day out, even sacrificing other things so that this campus could be a blessing to everyone who walked on property. He will be deeply missed for his kindness, love, humor, joy, and compassion,” Vandever said.
Noeth was a deacon at Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville.
His visitation will be held Friday, January 12, from 5-8 p.m. at Meadow Heights Baptist Church at 1498 Vandalia St. in Collinsville. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, January 13 at 11 a.m., also at the church. For additional details, visit the church’s Facebook page.