James "Jim" Carl Gutzmer passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Saturday, December 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicago on September 19, 1943.

He leaves behind an extended circle of family; his loving wife of 58 years, Karen (nee Hinze), two sons, Peter Gutzmer and Mark and Amy (nee Brock) Gutzmer, 5 Grandchildren; Adelle and Ethan Gutzmer, Colin Gutzmer, Sidnee Elder and Jaycee Brock, and a long list of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. His grandchildren filled him with pride and joy in all of their activities and achievements.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Elizabeth Gutzmer, his 5 siblings, Ruth Hinz, Elaine Davis, William Gutzmer, Jean Youngquist, and Robert Gutzmer, Mother and Father-in-law Raymond and Laura Hinze, brother-in-law Howard Hinze and nephew Matthew Hinze.

Jim lived forever in the Chicago-land region, graduating from the inaugural class of Prospect High School in 1961. He enlisted in the Navy saying he wanted to see the world, but never left Illinois. He was stationed at Great Lakes NAS, North Chicago and trained as a Corpsman. After his service, he became employed with Commonwealth Edison company as a lineman, working his way up through crew leader, foreman, dispatcher and Area Load Manager, responsible for power delivery to more than a million citizens in Northern Illinois, retiring after 34+ years of service.

He was a life-long sports fan of every persuasion. Following this passion, he embarked as a referee and sport official/umpire in men's softball, youth community sports, high school football, boys and girls high school basketball and college basketball, recognized as an IHSA official for more than 30 years....until his knees gave out! After retirement, in replacement of his officiating and days as an avid dancer, his personal chosen sport was golf.

Having an abundance of time on his hands, he was recruited in 1999 by a close friend to become a member of the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, serving members of the organization in the areas of Ag Literacy, Public Relations/Food Checkout Day, Governmental Affairs/Political Action, ACTIVATOR, Membership Relations, Building, Auditing and Finance. He served as Sect/Treasurer from 2007-2010. Jim was then elected by his fellow board members to the position of President of the Cook County Farm Bureau, serving as President for seven years from 2011 – 2017. During that time, he also served as President of the organization's Foundation and Governance Chairman of the organization's Political Action Committee. He earned his County Farm Bureau Certified Director designation in 2022. Following his Presidency, he remained on the Board of Directors to the end, providing his historical knowledge and wisdom.

Jim loved people and human interaction, finding real joy in making others smile and laugh. During the years, he dabbled in woodworking, traveled to see his grandchildren's milestones, games, graduations and weddings. During downtime, he challenged his wit and knowledge with a crossword puzzle, always seeming to finish quickly, often with some questionable answers. He leaves behind him a mark on the hearts of those fortunate to have known him. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation, 6438 Joliet Road Ste. 101, Countryside, IL 60525, http://tinyurl.com/j934pn42 , or a charity of your choice. Private family services have been held. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.ghillsfuneralhome.com .