James P. Balzer
James P. Balzer, age 87, of Quincy, formerly of Liberty, died on Friday, May 14, 2021 in his home. He was born on November 14, 1933 in Quincy the son of Philip and R. Marie (Putz) Balzer. James attended a one room school house and graduated from Liberty High School where he excelled in athletics. He then received his Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture and Masters of Education from the University of Illinois. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Era. He married Patricia Newman on February 19, 1954. She preceded him in death in September of 2015.
James was a vocational agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor for Liberty High School. He then later was an agriculture instructor at John Wood Community College and an Adjunct Instructor at Culver Stockton University. James took great pride that he taught a generation of area farmers as well as many former students that went on to graduate with agricultural degrees from the University of Illinois and other fine agricultural colleges. Later, he served as a Farm Manager.
James loved farming and along with his father and brother, farmed the Balzer family farm. James was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Liberty, where he served on the church council for many years. James was very active in the Liberty area. He served on the Liberty Village Board for more than 30 years and served as President. James was a member and past president of the Adams County Retired Teachers. He was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers where he was active in the Legislative Committee. James was instrumental in the creation of the Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Service in the early 1970’s. For over 30 years, James volunteered to take over the maintenance of Liberty Cemetery and worked hard to increase the trust fund for its care.
James is survived by:
THREE CHILDREN: Dudley DJ Balzer (Mary) of Sun City West, AZ; Kay Balzer (Lee Camp) of San Antonio, TX, and LeAnne Balzer of Quincy.
THREE GRANDCHILDREN: Philip Balzer (Brittany), Kyle Balzer and
David Balzer ( Brittany George).
TWO GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: George and Graham Balzer.
TWO SIBLINGS: Ken Balzer (Betty) and Phyllis McCormick (Bob)
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
In addition to his wife, James was also preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law: Martha Balzer.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church in Liberty, Illinois. Interment in Xander Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy. Memorials may be made to Liberty Cemetery Association. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Remember the family from church. So sorry for your loss!
My stepfather John Deege was Jim’s cousin. He always told good stories. What a sweet man. Prayers for his family. ♡
Your family is in our prayers. We appreciate all the time and dedication to the Adams County Retired Teachers. He will be missed.
Mr Balzer was the best landlord when I and my children rented from him. My deepest condolences to his family.
LeAnne, So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you & your family.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, LeAnne
Our Deepest Sympathies for the loss of such a kind, caring, and Christian man. Proud to be a part of such a fine family. Will treasure the memories of good times with Uncle Jim and Aunt Pat forever and always! ❤️
We extend our deepest sympathy to Jim’s family, especially his siblings, Ken and Phyllis, my oldest friends. His was a life well spent.
your family is in our prayers, he was a great teacher, and fun person to be around