Jim Waterkotte

Quincy

SEPT. 9, 1939 – JULY 30, 2026

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 University 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.