James Joseph “Jimmy” Brinkman, 63, of Fowler, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8:45 p.m. on his front porch. He was born on January 29, 1963, in Quincy, Illinois, to James “Jim” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Obert) Brinkman. “I was born ready, waiting for shit to happen”. On March 28, 1987, he married Karen Huber, who survives.

Jim attended St. Dominic School and graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1981, where he pursued vocational and technical studies. In his younger years, he worked at Jack’s Discount and Koenker Plumbing. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

For 35 years, Jim proudly owned and operated Brinkman Plumbing. What began as a two-person crew grew into a respected company with 35 employees and 32 service trucks. Throughout his career, he mentored and trained more than 67 licensed plumbers. One of his greatest joys was working alongside his father, wife, four children, and many close friends and family members.

Jim held a Journeyman Plumbing License in Illinois, a Master Plumbing License in Iowa, a Plumbing License in Missouri, and served on the Illinois State Plumbing Board. He was dedicated to improving Quincy and the surrounding communities through his work and service. To Jim, his employees were more than coworkers, they were family.

Outside of work, Jim enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with those he loved. He was a talented, hardworking man whose vision, determination, and generosity touched countless lives. “That’s for sure and certain.”

In addition to his wife, Karen, Jim is survived by his four children: Megan Leapley and her husband, Michael; Meredith Moore and her husband, Adam; Shane Brinkman and his wife, Jaci; and Emma Brinkman. He was a proud grandfather to Isabelle Leapley, Sophia Leapley, Aurora Leapley, Daxton Moore, Lakynn Moore, Katlynn Moore, Maverick Moore, and one grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Karen Venvertloh and her husband Joe, and Keith Brinkman and his wife Sharon as well as his brothers-in-law Ralph Arment and Leo Runser. Many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Shari Arment and Sandy Runser.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois, with Father Scott Snider officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty School Fund, Adams County Folks Care, or Sod Busters Classic.

“We conquer by continuing” George Matheson