Published on May 14, 2025 4:54 pm
Last Updated on May 14, 2025 4:54 pm
James Richard “Wolt” Wolters, 78, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2025.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony Education Trust or Effingham Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Wolt was born on September 7, 1946, in Effingham, Illinois, to Richard and Agnes Wolters. He graduated from Effingham St. Anthony High School, served in the Illinois National Guard and attended Bailey Technical School in St. Louis, MO. Jim had a passion for travel and explored many parts of the world throughout his life. He cherished time with family, enjoyed golfing, had a passion for serving his community and took pride in maintaining his yard. On July 13, 1968, Wolt married Carol “Cookie” Jean Wolters in Effingham. Their marriage was a loving and enduring union that lasted 49 years until Cookie’s passing in 2017. Jim dedicated 43 years of his career to Dan Hecht Chevrolet/Toyota, where he served as Service Manager. He was also a proud
member of the Effingham Fire Department for 50 years, holding various leadership roles, including 2nd Assistant Chief. His commitment to public service extended beyond the department; he served on the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and was a member of the Effingham Fire and Police Commission. Jim also played a key role in establishing the M.A.B.A.S. Honor Guard, in the region, ensuring fallen firefighters were honored with dignity and respect.
Jim joined the angels in Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind a daughter, Jill (husband, Bradley) White; sons, Douglas (wife, Angela) Wolters and Darren (wife, Kimberly) Wolters; and grandchildren, Christian and Abby White (husband, Matthew “Beau” Wright), Ella and Blake Wolters, and Lyndsey and Sean Wolters. He also leaves behind his beloved partner of the past seven years, Jeanne Patterson. Jim is survived by his sister, Dolores (husband, Ric); brother, Tom (wife, Ann) Wolters; sisters-in-law, Karen Wolters and Cindy Bass; brothers-in-law, Rick (wife, Annmarie) Pals and Victor Springer (wife, Nancy); and nineteen nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol “Cookie” Wolters; brother, Robert Wolters; sister, Arlene Pals; nephew, Ryan Wolters; sister-in-law, Sandra Richards Mihlbachler; and brothers-in-law, Ted Richards and Robert Mihlbachler.