James Joseph “Jimmy” Brinkman
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
Deepest sympathy for Karen and the family. Sorry we have been out of town and will not be back until Saturday evening. We were saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy to work with and always seamed to have a great disposition and was a joy to work with. Prayers for your family.
Breaks our hearts that you had a leave us so early. You are such a great guy and were so good to my boys. So sorry you had to go through all that you did. They say the Lord always calls the best of us too early and i think it’s true. I’ll never forget your Christmas parties and how welcoming you were to us all. God Bless you Jimmy, life well lived, but way too short. Rest in Peace we will never forget you.
Karen and Family,
So sorry to hear about Jim. I sure am glad I got to have lunch and share some good laughs with Jim last month. He sure was proud of you and his kids. He never stopped smiling. He sure will be missed! God Bless your Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. Jim was a well known, respected businessman that everyone liked and he will be greatly missed.
Karen and family, words can’t express the loss of Jim…He was a one of a kind and the most genuine human being that I have ever met! I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with him on our many projects at Adams. We will all miss his trust worthiness, compassion, honesty and willingness to do “the right thing” that was second to none. With deepest sympathy, Gary Cantrell
My Friend, Jimmy Brinkman. I Will miss you Jimmy.
Jay
Dear Brinkman Family. Words can’t begin to tell you how happy to call Jimmy Joe our “ old neighbor “ and a wonderful friend. He was truly “ one of a kind”. We are thinking of you and remembering Jimmy, a truly extraordinary man.
As ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura and Doug & Dawn, too!
What a guy! He was and remains one of the great influencers from my childhood. I remember him best from our time playing softball in 4H where his natural leadership ability made you appreciate him and do better. We made it to the Jacksonville championship playoffs one year – because Jimmy threw himself into everything that he did and inspired the rest of us to do the same.
My heartfelt condolences to Karen and the rest of the family. Jimmy is and will be missed.
Very Respectfully,
Greg
Praying for your family.
What an inspiration Jim always was, always a smile clear to the eyes and an encouraging word. I hope his wisdom and grace can continue on with all he helped.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family. 🙏🙏Jimmy Joe was a very good man an very long time friend. Gone to soon! 🙏😔
A very genuine and sincere man, for whom I had great respect
So very sorry to hear about Jimmy. Wgg he at a great guy. Loved by all. Prayers and sympathy for Karen and family.
My sincere condolences to the Brinkman family. Jimmy was a man that I greatly respected and enjoyed the working relationship we had. He was great to work with and would offer assistance with a moments notice. You don’t meet many people like Jimmy. He will be missed.
Praying for you all. Stephen Six (grandson of Raymond Brinkman)
Such a great loss of an incredible man, he was great at his craft and did it with integrity , may God blees his family