Jim Coutts passed away on Monday 11/30/2020
At our December 3rd meeting, Linda announced long-time Rotarian and friend Jim Coutts passed away on Monday, November 30th. Linda lead us in prayer followed by these words...
"I want you to know that being able to come to Rotary in-person on Thursday for Jim was the highlight of his day. Carol could not convince him to stay home and I'm sure they argued about it. But Jim so much wanted to see you all, his friends, that he took what strength he had to pull it together and come here. The last tie I say him was 3 weeks ago, here, and it's hard to believe he has now passed."
Linda continued with "While we are all sad for the loss of Jim and also sad for Carol and the family, let us find strength from our friendship with him and one another. Let us be a shoulder for Carol to lean on in the coming months. Jim would NOT want us to be sad today, let's celebrate Jim's life with our fond memories which are clear now but will become wistful in the days ahead. For those of you who knew him best, hold onto those precious memories and remember his big smile and his Service Above Self."
Funeral Service Carol sent Linda a text this morning. She wanted you all to know you can live stream Jim's funeral on Tuesday 12/8/2020 at 2pm from the Faith Lutheran Church website and Mueller Funeral Home website. They will have a celebration of his life for friends after the pandemic has passed.
Public Servants At Heart Above is a picture I (cindy) took of Jim and Carol featured in the January 2020 issue of The Bridge. Though I've only known him a short time, I remember how I felt reading the story... so proud and fortunate to be associated with Jim and Carol through Rotary. Click here to read the entire article.
Local Paper There was a nice article in the News Graphic, including a picture of Jim in the stands selling raffle tickets at last year's RMF.
The News Graphic Facebook post read, "We are sad to share that former Cedarburg Mayor Jim Coutts has died. Over his nearly 50 years in Cedarburg, Coutts, 83, has contributed significantly to the community through his philanthropic efforts, historical programs and civic leadership. Coutts helped found the Greater Cedarburg Foundation, served as mayor and on the Cedarburg School Board, was a utility commissioner, was a longtime volunteer for the Cedarburg Fire Department and so much more. Coutts also taught history at Homestead High School for 29 years."