James M. Reutter, 88, of Quincy, Illinois, and formerly of Watseka and Milford, Illinois, passed away at 8:04 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Jim was born on November 6, 1937, in Watseka, Illinois, the son of Orville and Pauline (Breymeyer) Reutter.

On July 28, 1964, he married Joyce Torbet in Rockford, Illinois. Spending most of their 62 years of marriage raising their two daughters in Watseka, they later moved to Milford to look after Joyce’s parents, ‘Dilly’ and ‘Babe’, who Jim loved as his own.

After graduating from Watseka Community High School, Jim worked as a lineman for AT&T across multiple states before proudly serving his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. During his military service, he was stationed in Munich, Germany.

Following his military service, Jim began a long career with UARCO, Inc. in Watseka, starting as a pressman before moving into multiple management roles. He dedicated nearly four decades to the company before retiring in 1996. Following his retirement from UARCO, Jim worked as a press die consultant for RotoMetrics and later as a grain inspector for the USDA.

Jim was an avid golfer who deeply valued the friendships and memories he made over his nearly 60 years as a member of Shewami Country Club, during which he served on its Board of Directors. Often teeing off just at sunrise, he rarely missed the chance to share a joke, story, or unsolicited golf tip during rounds with his cronies. Jim was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1792, serving as Exalted Ruler in 1967. Jim had a lifelong love of reading books and shared that passion through his service as a board member of the Milford Library. Through the years, he enjoyed bowling in leagues, traveling with friends on golf and fishing trips, solving Sudoku puzzles, and practicing Tai Chi. Jim treasured his friendships, many of which dated back to childhood, and found great joy in his eight grandchildren, whom he teased good-naturedly and spoke of proudly.

Jim is survived by his dedicated wife, Joyce Reutter of Quincy; two daughters, Julie (Mike) Quinn of Quincy, and Jori (Jeff) Bottorff of Quincy; grandchildren, Kaitlin Quinn (Brady Frericks), Jimmy Quinn (Anne Schweitzer), Suzy Quinn (Ethan Blomberg), Tommy Quinn, Anna Quinn, Jacob Bottorff, Justin Bottorff and Jonny (Ashley) Bottorff; great-grandchildren, Parker Frericks, Carter Frericks, and Vincent Quinn; and one sister-in-law, Carol Hauert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Evelyn Torbet, father-in-law Lavern Torbet, brother Ronnie Reutter, and a sister-in-law Connie Kruse.

Per Jim's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later time in Watseka. The care arrangements have been entrusted to J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon.

Memorials can be made to Blessing Hospice, 4939 Oak St., P.O. Box 7005, Quincy, IL 62301, or online via https://www.blessinghealth.org/giving#no-back