James Waterkotte
James E. Waterkotte, age 86, of Quincy, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Blessing Hospital following a brief battle with cancer.
Jim was born on September 9, 1939, in Quincy, Illinois, to Robert and Carlene (Welchert) Waterkotte. He graduated from Quincy Notre Dame High School in 1957 and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Quincy College in 1965. Following graduation, he began his accounting career with Mane and Company in Macomb, Illinois, before returning home to Quincy to begin what would become his life’s work.
Jim joined Blessing Health System in 1966 as a staff accountant. He dedicated 35 years to Blessing Health System, serving in numerous fiscal leadership positions before concluding his distinguished career as Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. During decades of growth and change, he helped guide one of the region’s most respected healthcare organizations with exceptional financial stewardship, sound judgment, and unwavering integrity. His leadership earned the respect of physicians, employees, trustees, volunteers, and community leaders alike.
His commitment to healthcare continued after retirement when he served as President of the Blessing Foundation from 2002 until 2006. There, he continued building relationships with generous donors while advancing the mission of improving healthcare for the people of the region.
Jim was a gifted leader because he genuinely cared about people. He expected those around him to excel—not for his benefit, but because he believed every person possessed talents worth developing. He challenged others to become their best, often recognizing potential before they saw it themselves. He mentored with patience, led by example, and quietly celebrated the accomplishments of those whose lives he helped shape.
Those who worked alongside Jim remember a man of honesty, fairness, and unwavering integrity. He could be direct and candid, when necessary, but beneath that straightforward manner was a compassionate heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He listened, encouraged, and believed everyone deserved the opportunity to succeed. His strength was balanced by kindness, making him not only an exceptional executive but also a trusted mentor, loyal friend, and respected colleague.
As much as Jim loved his profession, nothing was more important than his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose greatest joy came from being present in the lives of those he loved. Whether coaching youth sports, attending family events, sharing thoughtful advice, or simply enjoying time together, Jim’s love was demonstrated through his steadfast presence, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Jim also believed deeply in giving back to his community. He was an active member of the Quincy Exchange Club and generously shared his time and talents with many organizations, including Ladies of Charity, the Catholic Youth Organization, United Way, and Transitions of Western Illinois.
His Catholic faith and commitment to Catholic education were lifelong priorities. He proudly served on the boards and foundations supporting Quincy Catholic schools and played an important role in the development of the Quincy Catholic Elementary School Foundation. He believed that investing in young people was one of the greatest gifts a community could provide for its future.
Jim was equally proud of his German heritage. He loved discussing his family’s ancestry, sharing stories of generations past, and speaking German whenever the opportunity arose. He treasured lively conversations, lasting friendships, and gatherings filled with laughter. He understood that friendship required loyalty, time, and genuine care—and he gave all three generously throughout his life.
One of Jim’s favorite toasts perfectly reflected both his humor and his practical approach to life:
“Here’s to it and from it and to it again. If you ever get to it and don’t do it, you will never get to it to do it again.”
Jim will be remembered as a man whose integrity never wavered, whose standards inspired excellence, and whose compassion touched countless lives. His legacy is found not only in the organizations he strengthened, but in the people, he mentored, encouraged, and loved. He made Quincy a better community through his quiet leadership, steadfast faith, generous service, and genuine friendship.
Jim believed excellence was an act of respect—for your work, your family, your community, and yourself—and he lived that belief every day of his life.
Jim is survived by his brother, Jerry Waterkotte of Quincy; his children, Erik (Emmy) Waterkotte of Cincinnati, Ohio, Todd Waterkotte of Phoenix, Arizona, and Katie Vitale of Beardstown, Illinois; his beloved partner of more than 22 years, Patty Musholt; his grandchildren, Thomas James(TJ) Waterkotte, Anna Waterkotte, Isabella Vitale, Gabriella Vitale, and Hayley Cox; his sister and brother in law Carol and Don Harvey, nieces and nephews, Lori Catalpa, Steve Harvey, Sara Harvey, and Matt Harvey; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, treasured friends, and former colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carlene Waterkotte; his beloved wife, Sharon (Schildt) Waterkotte; his daughter, Amy Waterkotte; his brother, John Waterkotte; his sister, Janet Waterkotte; and his nephew, Jason Harvey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 10, 2026, beginning with prayers at 9:30 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 9, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Quincy Catholic Elementary School Foundation Amy Waterkotte Scholarship; the Sharon Waterkotte Scholarship at Quincy Notre Dame High School; or the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Frances Waterkotte Scholarship through the Blessing Foundation.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and caregivers at Blessing Hospital for the compassionate care they provided Jim and for the kindness shown to his family during his final days.
The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is serving the family.
James Waterkotte Family:
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal Rest Jim
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
Dear Waterkotte Family,
What a man……we miss him already. He is one of our favorites “of all time”.
R.I.P. Jim!
as ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura
I am just so sorry to hear of this great man’s passing! I do hope he bumps into my dad in Heaven, and they can reminisce on how they pulled a fast one over on me while in Nursing School! I just admired him so much as a leader, as a wonderful man, as a very caring spouse and father! I am just soooo sorry for your loss. I will pray God provide you with the strength required in the days ahead and may your many amazing and awesome memories provide you with comfort! I pray he finally hits that hole in one! Rest in Peace my kind and wonderful friend. He was the GOAT (well right next to my dad, Earl Myers). Sending hugs and love, Teresa
Dear Jerry. Words can’t express the sympathy I feel for you and the Waterkotte family. May God Bless you with comfort. Mary Cary
To the family of Jim Waterkotte, we are very sorry for your loss. Jim will be remembered for his contributions to the community as well as those on the golf course. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Barney and Maureen Kahn
To Jim’s family-
Jim was a great man and lived a truly Christian life. I knew Jim through work connections that started back in the late 80’s. He was always so gracious and kind.
God’s blessings on all of you as you deal with your loss. We know he is enjoying all of the rewards of Heaven.
Waterkotte Family- Jim/James/Jimmy/Jimbo was a true friend and wonderful mentor to me. He was a man of trust, integrity, loyalty and faith. He will go down from a legacy standpoint as the best CFO of the Blessing Health System ever and into the future. He was dedicated to be the best steward of the community assets and always strived to do what was right. His work ethic was above all. Most of all he loved his family dearly. I will see you down the road…..Rick Kempe
What a great man!! I worked at Blessing with Jim. I worked in Dietary and would pass Jim in the halls. He was always very kind. I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all
I am so sorry to hear of Janet and Jim’s passing. I will be thinking of you all during this difficult time.
My thoughts & prayers are with the Waterkotte family, my long-time neighbors on Aldo Boulevard. I also worked with Jim in my earliest days on the Blessing Foundation Board of Trustees.
Jerry,
So sorry about your dear brother and sister. May God bless you in this time of sorrow and take them into His embrace.
Bob and Sue Greving
Classmate and friend.. you will be missed, Jim. Peace….
Jim was a family friend for many years, and a man who I’ve respected and learned a lot of valuable lessons. His joyful laugh and friendly conversation will be missed. Prayers for the entire Waterkotte family. Rest in peace, Jim.
Jim was a classmate and friend since 1953. A true gentleman and he will be missed, but certainly leaves a legacy of leadership for Quincy.
Erik, Todd, and Katie:
I am truly saddened by the loss of your father. What a GREAT man he was, in so many ways. I had the wonderful pleasure of spending lots of time with him on the athletic fields, gyms, and as a QND Board of Directors member. Man, he was SMART and WISE! As hard as he worked at his job, as a volunteer in the community, nothing was more important to him than all of you. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the difficult days ahead, and that HE fills your hearts and souls with all the great memories you both created, and shared with him. God Bless.
We’re so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. His obituary outlines many of his traits, accomplishments and contributions to the Community. I always thought of Jim as being a very fair man. He was not quick to judge. He listened to all sides and treated everyone with respect. The world will miss him and his wonderful laugh. It’s so sad that Jim’s passing is so soon after Janet’s. May he rest in peace, he has earned it!
Mike and Barb Hutmacher
Todd and family,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great man. His toast will always be a great memory for you to pass down to generations. With sympathy and prayers,
Laura and Steve Nothold
Dear Waterkotte Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jim. He was a truly wonderful friend and a great guy who brought so much light into the lives of those around him. Jim lived his life with rare purpose. His unwavering dedication to his life’s ambitions was inspiring, and his deep commitment to his religious beliefs guided everything he did. I know that his profound faith brought him great comfort, and I hope it brings you peace during this incredibly difficult time as well. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Jim will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, hard work, and kindness will never be forgotten.
With heartfelt sympathy,
David and Jean Rees
I first met Jim and Sharon when we moved to Grove Avenue. Ned and I were growing our family and some years we had children who were the same age as theirs. It was a great time to share learning how to parent and raise kids who were responsible, caring and fun to know. That is when I first knew Janet. I have fond memories of “Aunt Janet” riding her bike down the street with a dog in the basket!
Later when I joined the Blessing Hospital Board it was a pleasure to work with Jim who always knew what was relevant for the people who worked in the organization and was able to communicate that to us. His knowledge and work ethic were so valuable for making relevant decisions.
Jim’s footprint on earth was huge for Quincy and his kids. At last he can reunite with some of those persons who were a part of that in past years!
Reaugh Broemmel
Jerry and Patty
I was shocked to learn of the death of Jim.
In May I enjoyed visiting with him and my cousin and he gave out one of his familiar hearty laughs as was so normal for him. He was an accomplished man but still just an ordinary down to earth friend.
May you both be blessed with the comfort of knowing how much he loved and appreciated you. I am so sorry for your great loss.
Charlotte Buckman
Rest in Peace Jim.
You will be Truly Missed my friend!
May the wonderful memories you shared with family & friends bring joy to each person as they fondle think of you during this difficult time & the future!