James Walter Musolf
December 13, 1938 – July 29, 2025
James Walter Musolf, age 86, was called to his eternal home on July 29, 2025, reunited with the two great loves of his life—the Lord and his wife, Jean Louise (Sander) Musolf. Jim was the beloved husband of Jean, whom he married on August 15, 1965, in Pemberville, Ohio. She preceded him in death on December 15, 2023. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rose (Lehman) Musolf, and sisters Pat (Robert) Waldbauer and Marilyn (Dexter) McMaster. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, along with many cherished friends and former students.
Born on December 13, 1938, in Genoa, Ohio, Jim discovered his love for music early in life. Taught piano by his mother, he was quickly drawn to the organ. Jim’s other instructors include Herb Greunke, Margaret Weber, and Marguerite Thal. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Michigan, studying under distinguished professors Dr. Marilyn Mason, Robert Glasgow, and James Kibbie.
Jim’s pursuit of excellence shaped him into the extraordinary musician he was. His 61-year professional career included service at Trinity Lutheran in Elmore, Ohio; Bethlehem Lutheran in Pemberville, Ohio; Epiphany Lutheran and Reformation Lutheran in Toledo, Ohio; and Zion Lutheran in Appleton, Wisconsin. After leaving Appleton, Jim began a long and fulfilling tenure at First Christian Church in Galesburg, Illinois, where he served as organist and music director for 29 years. There, he expanded the music ministry to include children’s, junior, adult, and two handbell choirs. He also led a major organ renovation, rebuilding and re-voicing the instrument and relocating the choir loft and organ console. The result was a versatile instrument—ideal for worship, weddings, concerts, and recitals—that enriched both the congregation and the wider community. After retiring from First Christian, he continued to share his musical gifts as organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona, Illinois.
A resolute teacher and mentor, Jim shared his love of music with countless piano and organ students. Though he and Jean did not have children (other than their beloved dogs), they poured their hearts into nurturing the children of their congregation, treating them as their own.
Jim will be remembered not only for his extraordinary musical gifts but also for his kindness, humility, and deep faith. He was a “people person,” always thoughtful, accommodating, and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Even in times of physical limitation, his spirit remained strong, and his love for the Lord and others never waned.
A memorial visitation and funeral service will be held September 8, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 E. Ferris St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. service and luncheon. Pastors Dr. Carrie Carnes and Tim Anderson (formerly of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Aledo, IL) will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society or Trinity Lutheran Church.
