Welcome

Welcome to St. James Lutheran School, a Christ-centered education center in the Quincy, Illinois community for over 164 years. We strive to provide the best quality education possible, and we couple that with a Christian emphasis.

Our Staff

Mrs. Renee Higgins

principal

Education  

• Doctor of Education Foundational Coursework (ABD), Capella University
• Master of Education, Human Resource Development, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
• Business Administration, Spanish Minor, Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO

Administrative Experience  

• Dean of Transfer Education, Spoon River College (2010 - 2012)
• Director of Education, John Wood Community College (1998 - 2010)
• Owner/Operator Bailey's Coffee & Fudge (2012 - 2018)

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. “ Psalm 119:105

Mrs. Sherry Strackeljahn  

Assistant Principal

I have been blessed to teach and work at St. James for almost 34 years. I have taught combined seventh and eighth grade classes, along with sixth grade, second grade, and first grade, which I taught for over twenty years.  I retired from teaching after the 2015-2016 school year was over and now serve St. James as Assistant Principal.  I have also served as a staff member working in both the church and school office.

God has truly blessed me in this wonderful ministry!  I look forward to continue working with so many of my former students and their children as well as working with the newest members of our school family!

Mrs. bridgette paul

office administrator

Mrs. Nichole Blickhan

PreK3 Teacher

Education  

Teaching Experience  

• Preschool Teacher , St. James Lutheran School, 2021 – Present
• Preschool Teacher Aide, St. James Lutheran School, 2019

Favorite Bible Verse 

Mrs. Jen Altgilbers

PreK4 Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Science in Early Education, Grand Canyon University (In-Progress)
• Substitute Teacher Certification, 2008
• Certificate of Professional Licensed Child Care Provider, 2006
• Licensed Wedding/Party Planner, 2004

Teaching Experience  

• Preschool Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2016 – Present
• Computer Literacy Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2020- Present
• 1st Grade Aid, St James Lutheran School, 2010-2016
• K – 8th Grade Substitute Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2010 - 2016

Favorite Bible Verse 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Mrs. Kristi Scott

Kindergarten Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• Kindergarten, St. James Lutheran School, 1995 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18

Mrs. Jennifer Huntley

1st Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL

Teaching Experience  

• 1st Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2015 – Present
• Warsaw Elementary School, 2005 – 2015
• Quincy Public Schools, 2001 – 2004
• Delevan Elementary Schools, 1993 – 2004
• Illinois Center for Autism, 1992

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Joshua 1:19 

Mrs. Denys Stark

2nd Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL
• Associate of Arts, John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• 4th Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2013 – Present
• 2nd Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2012-2013

Favorite Bible Verse 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Renita Mohr

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Concordia College, River Forest, IL

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 1983 – 1987; 1993 – Present
• Substitute Teacher, Quincy Public Schools, 1989 - 1991

Favorite Bible Verse 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Mrs. Debra Bowles

5th/6th Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL
• Associate of Arts, John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 2004 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Mr. Jared Specht

7th/8th Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Minor in Community Health, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
• Bachelor of Science, Teacher Certification, Minor in Health Education & Drivers Education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 2018 – Present
• Liberty Christian High School, Sanford, FL, 2014 – 2018
• Healthful Living Teacher, East Millbreak, Raleigh, NO, 2006 – 2007
• Clay County Community High School, Clay County, IL 2005 - 2006

Favorite Bible Verse 

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” Exodus 14:14

Mrs. Madeline Hagemann

Librarian

Education  

• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 1984 - Present

Mrs. Linda Henning 

Title I teacher

Education  

• Master of Education, Reading, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
• Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
• Associate of Science, Burlington Community College

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, Title I, 2014 – Present
• Payson Seymour , Title I, Payson, IL
• Barry Elementary School, 1st Grade, Barry, IL
• Junior/Senior High School Physical Education, YorkWood High School, Monmouth, IL
• 2nd Grade Teacher and Title I, Oquawka, IL

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:3-4

Mrs. kristin Smith

Hot Lunch Director

Mr. Dale Strackeljahn

Bus Driver & Technology Director

As a retired Administrator for the State of Illinois, and a current school bus driver for Quincy Public Schools, I also volunteer my time at St. James Lutheran School where my wife is the Assistant Principal. 

My involvement with the School began in the 1980's when our two children attended. Having had an interest in electronics and technology for a long time, I found myself gradually assuming more and more responsibility for the technology program at St. James. Currently I head the School’s Technology Committee and do my best to help keep our technology up to date and functioning correctly.