Bim Prichard

Bim Prichard, a devoted educator, community servant, and beloved family man, passed away on February 9th surrounded by the love of those whose lives he profoundly touched. Known for his deep faith, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor, Bim lived a life defined by service to others.

Bim was born on July 24, 1950 to John and Jane Prichard and was raised in Streator, IL. He graduated from Streator Township High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque.

He began his teaching career at Central DeWitt in 1973, where he served for more than three decades as a special education teacher. Although he once considered entering the ministry, a college class visit to a special education classroom revealed his true calling. He dedicated his career to supporting students with compassion, patience, and an unwavering belief in their potential. He later became the district’s Work Study Coordinator, helping students who may have had difficulty securing jobs on their own find meaningful employment through partnerships with local businesses.

Alongside his career in education, Bim and his wife, Dianne, managed the DeWitt Operahouse Theatre for 35 years. His talents extended beyond the classroom and theater to construction and farming—two interests he pursued whenever possible.

Bim was deeply involved in First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeWitt, where his faith was lived out through leadership and giving. He chaired the building committee that led to the construction of the church, participated on numerous other committees, contributed his beautiful deep voice to the choir, and proudly chaired the church’s annual Beef Dinner, where he became known for his excellent mashed potatoes.

Committed to giving back, Bim was a dedicated member of the DeWitt Nite Lions for 40 years and served as secretary for 28 of those years. He received numerous honors for his involvement, including the prestigious Warren G. Coleman Award.

Bim also had a lifelong love of history—particularly World War II—shaped by his family’s military service. A devoted Chicago Bears fan, he liked to say his two favorite teams were the Bears and whoever happened to be playing the Packers.

Above all, Bim treasured his family. He met his wife, Dianne, in 1973 while teaching in DeWitt, and they were married in 1975. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, Laura (Ben) Miers, Miriam Prichard, and Michael (Greta) Prichard; his grandchildren, Charlie, Walter, and Niya; his mother, Jane Prichard; his sisters, Peggy (Glenn) Stein and Carol (Tom) Pelling; and several nieces and nephews.

Bim Prichard’s life was one of faith, hard work, generosity, and humor—leaving a legacy that will endure in the lives of those he impacted so deeply.

The staff and residents of Fieldstone of DeWitt are to be commended for their boundless compassion and care for Bim during his time in “the prison,” as he lovingly called the senior living community.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeWitt. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22nd in the church. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

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Memorials can be made to St. Judes Children Hospital or DeWitt Referral Center.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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