Jim "Eggy" Egeland's Obituary
Jim “Eggy” Egeland was born in Lisbon, Portugal, where his parents were missionaries. He grew up in Chicago, where he developed a love for rhythm and blues music, and a life-long devotion to the Chicago White Sox. He was a Vietnam era Air Force veteran: while stationed in Germany, he met his wife of 44 years. When he returned home, he managed a Schwinn bicycle shop in a suburb of Chicago, where his enduring passion for bicycling began.
For 17 years, Eggy, along with his wife and two children, was a missionary with Cadence International. As a level-headed and even-tempered peacekeeper, the missionary life was an ideal match for his sensibilities. He loved people: his goodwill, combined with his unique sense of humor, were inviting to anyone who crossed paths with him. The Egeland Hospitality House ministry in Vicenza, Italy, provided a range of spiritual and social outlets for U.S. military personnel stationed nearby, as well as interested locals. Eggy hosted social gatherings (movie nights; scavenger hunts; card game tournaments), planned special bike trips throughout the Italian countryside, wrote and led inspirational Bible studies, and conducted weekly worship services. Every year, the family would travel to Switzerland for conferences with other staff and their families serving in Europe with Cadence; these times provided the Egelands with many wonderful memories.
Upon fulfillment of their missionary services in Italy, the Egeland family relocated to Ohio and Eggy became an active member of Centerville Community Church. He loved singing in the choir and was active in the Youth Group leadership for a number of years. For the last 20 years, he has worked for Tire Discounters—starting in a Service Tech position working his way up the chain to Regional Manager. In recent years, his work with the company has included such responsibilities as developing training curricula and mentoring store managers. Eggy loved listening to and assisting the store managers: offering his expertise, wisdom and knowledge; always with a mind and heart to serve, and always with a keen sense of humor. He often spoke of how he loved the smell of tires, since it reminded him of the time he spent working in a bike shop.
Eggy was a family man through and through. He was a faithful father and husband, a loving grandfather, and he never turned down the chance to hold a baby. Eggy was a man of integrity and dependability: he never met a stranger, and he practiced the Golden Rule in every venture. He loved to read, and his eclectic tastes ranged from David Baldacci and Tom Clancy, to C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, the Bible (his “Sword”), Chuck Colson, Max Lucado, and many more. In his spare time, Eggy could most often be found in the kitchen, serving up some authentic Italian cuisine—his favorite food to cook and to eat—or on the back porch, next to his trusty Weber grill. His love of music ranged from his early affinity for R&B (Aretha Franklin, BB King, Sam & Dave), to the jangly rock’n’roll of Neil Young and the Allman Brothers, the British Invasion sounds of The Who and Eric Clapton, and the contemporary Christian rock of Larry Norman and Rich Mullins. Baseball was his all-time favorite sport, and every year he counted down to opening day.
Ever since his very first movie outing—for 1968’s The Love Bug—Eggy acquired a fondness for movies. He loved slapstick comedies (Laurel & Hardy; The Pink Panther films and 50’s classics, such as Harvey; as well as the British comedies of John Cleese and Monty Python). His all-time favorite movie soundtrack was the music from The Blues Brothers, and he insisted on listening to the CD on every road trip through the windy streets of his “Sweet Home, Chicago.” Some of the family’s fondest memories include their travels through Europe, countless American road trips, and the incredible experiences shared with friends and loved ones they bonded with around the world. Both of his families (at home and at work) attest that Eggy gave so much to everyone who knew him: much laughter; much joy; much love.
He was preceded in death by his mother Phyllis Maxine Egeland. He is survived by his wife, Mary “Peggy” Egeland (nee Tatro); two sons Aaron (Natalie) Egeland and Joshua Egeland (Craig); two grandchildren Caleb and Marshall Egeland; father Rolf Egeland; one brother Paul (Marie) Egeland; and one sister Kaleen (Cheryl) Richards.
Memorial services will be held 4 PM Saturday, March 7 at Centerville Community Church. The family will receive friends 3 - 4 PM Saturday, March 7 at the church. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Target Dayton Ministries, https://www.targetdayton.com. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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