James L. "Jim" LaMotte

James L. "Jim" LaMotte, 81, of Momence, Illinois, died on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Riverside Medical Center Emergency Room, Kankakee, Illinois. He was born on October 23, 1940, in Kankakee, the son of Robert E. and Ethel Warmbir LaMotte. He married Marlene D. Grimes on August 4, 1962, in Momence, IL. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2018. Survivors include three daughters and three sons-in-law, Lori and Don Henry, of Bourbonnais, Sandy and Bob Malpasuto, of Bourbonnais, and Jackie and Bill Haas, of Bourbonnais; seven grandchildren, Jill (Justin) Licke, Ashley (Erik) Michener, Aryn (Jeff) Whiting, Jack Malpasuto, Mike Malpasuto, Nicole Haas, and Ben Haas; and sister-in-law, Patricia LaMotte, of Bourbonnais. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert LaMotte and Richard LaMotte. Jim was co-founder and vice-president of research and development for Custom Farm Seed in Momence. Jim was a lifetime member of St. Patrick Church in Momence where he was a sitting member on the cemetery board and finance council. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1958 and served on the Momence Fire Protection District for over 50 years, which included 21 years as fire chief. He was a sitting member and past president of the board of trustees. He was a sitting officer and treasurer of the Illinois Firefighter Memorial Foundation and State Firefighter Medal of Honor Committee. Jim began volunteering at Good Shepherd Manor in Momence from its inception in 1971. He served 22 years as chairman of the board of directors where he continued as a sitting member. He also served on the finance committee, building and grounds committee, safety team, and numerous other teams, projects, and events. He served on the committee to establish 911 in Kankakee. He served on the Kankakee County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) from 1989 to 2021, where he acted as chairman from 1993 to 2021. In 2002, what is currently known as KanComm was opened. Jim was past president of the Hundred Club of Kankakee County and continued as a sitting member. He was a member and past vice chairman of the Kankakee County Board. He served as past board member of Drug Free, Inc. Jim received numerous awards for his many years of community involvement. In 1999 he was Momence Citizen of the Year. In 2002 he received the Good Shepherd Manor Amicus Certus (Latin for "True Friend") Award with his wife, Marlene. In 2004 he was awarded Volunteer of the Year from the Junior League of Kankakee County. In 2013 he received the Outstanding Community Service award from the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. In 2015 he received the Momence Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018 he was awarded the Leadership Award presented by Van Drunen Farms. In 2018 he received the Joe Gianotti President Award Hundred Club of Kankakee County. In 2021 Jim was given the Kankakee 911/ETSB Years of Service Award. The Kankakee County Board Proclamation named October 2021 as Jim LaMotte Month. He was given a certificate of recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives for his years of service and dedication to public safety. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling with his wife and golfing. He was an avid White Sox fan and a competitive bowler in his youth.

James L. "Jim" LaMotte

October 23, 1940 - February 1, 2022

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