Jim Kotz | February 16, 1951 - May 27, 2023
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted May 31, 2023 | 7:02 AM / 431 views
Jim Kotz left us suddenly May 27th, 2023. A visitation will be held from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Friday, June 2nd at the Grace Methodist Church in Presho with a funeral service starting at 2:00pm. Burial will follow the services at the Presho City Cemetery. For those unable to attend the services they will be live streamed on the link below.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVE STREAM
He was born to Aloysious Kotz and Mable Knudtson Horsley February 16th 1951 in Chamberlain, SD. Jim grew up on a small homestead south of Presho, SD. As a teenager, he moved in with his grandmother Katheryn Kotz. Jim graduated from Presho High School in 1969 where he was crowned homecoming king and named to the All State Football Team. During high school, he worked at Hutches Café for Gerald McClannahan who mentored and guided him. Shortly after, he moved to Omaha, NE to complete a certification as an HVAC technician.
Upon returning to Presho, Jim met the love of his life, Eileen Hullinger and they married on June 17, 1972. From this union, five children were born; Kay, Roy, Ryan, Megan and Riley. Jim worked hard to provide for his family managing the Cenex station for many years. In 1989, Jim and Eileen bought the Presho Motel from Arvid and Arleen Ambur, renaming it the Coachlight Inn, and set out renovating the business. The Coachlight Inn was a family business and required all hands on deck. After his days’ work at Cenex, Jim taught his kids how to hang drywall, solder copper plumbing, and frame walls. Many hours were spent as a family painting, installing new siding, repairing plumbing, mowing, and cleaning rooms.
In 2011, the Coachlight was sold and Jim began to slow down and enjoy his days with friends; camping, fishing, relaxing by a fire and enjoying the backyard oasis that he and Eileen had created in their new home.
Jim was proud of the community he grew up in. He served and volunteered his time with many organizations and events. He spent many years with the Presho Volunteer Fire Dept including several years as Chief and during this time Jim served on the City Council from 1984 to 1997 then as the mayor of Presho from 1987 to 1995. He was a member of the Lions and the Jaycees and worked with other community members to maintain and renovate projects like the Delmar Vollmer softball field, the Fate Dam shelter and boat ramp, and city park playground equipment.
Although not always the first to start a conversation, he always had a smile and time to chat with anyone who wanted to talk. Jim will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his smile and witty dad jokes. He always welcomed his kids home with a big hug and made a point to make them know how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.
Jim is survived by his wife (51 years in June), Eileen; children: Roy and Chris, Papillion NE, Ryan and friend Angela, Sac City IA, Megan and Tom Classen, Lincoln NE, Riley and Krista, Anchorage AK ; grandchildren: Collin, Kirstin, Sydney, Keara, Sutton, Morgan, Kayla, Hudson, Brooklyn, Crosley, Cassidy; sister Mary; very special friend Ralphie; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Thomas, in-laws Anna Marie and Clarence Hullinger, daughter Kay, brother-in-law Donnie, sister-in-law Barbara Boyd, niece Brittney Boyd, nephew Tommy Haiston, great nephew Skyler Jackson, Brothers Jerry, Austin, Paul and wife Alyce Faye, Steve and wife Barb.
