James Volkert passed away Monday, April 7th, 2025, after a short illness. James (Jim) was born September 7th, 1929, to Frieda and Leo Volkert in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

He spent most of his youth in La Crosse but finished his high school years in Madison, Wisconsin when his family moved. He graduated from Edgewood High School where he was named "All City" Football honors as a tackle. He graduated with honors in economics and finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1952 and later was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Banking and earned a certified financial planner designation. Following college graduation, Jim served overseas in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of captain. He remained in the Marine reserves for four years following his active duty. Jim was a proud member of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Jim began his banking and loan business career in Madison, Wisconsin. He left Madison for employment at First National Bank in Monroe, Wisconsin where he served as senior loan officer. He remained there for twelve years before coming to Montgomery, Illinois to become executive vice president and director of the newly established Bank of Montgomery. Shortly after the Bank of Montgomery opened in August 1972, Jim was named president and CEO and later named chairman of the board. Jim was proud to be a community banker that made a positive difference in his community. During his successful career, he also enjoyed all the friendships he made with customers of the bank and the bank's Board of Directors.

Over the years, Jim was involved in numerous civic and professional organizations in both Wisconsin and Illinois. Jim started his civic service in his youth as an eagle scout and was most proud to see his son and grandson follow that same tradition of service. In Monroe, he served on the County Board of Supervisors, was a director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and was a director of the Alpine Curling Club. Jim served on the Illinois Bankers Association Board of Directors for four years, received the lifetime achievement award from Aurora Noon Lions Club in 2019, was a member of VFW Post 7452, Montgomery, and was a member of the Aurora Country Club for over fifty years.

Jim loved to travel, play golf, and read books with a passion for history. He and his wife Jackie took numerous trips to Europe touring many historic sites of which Italy proved to be Jim's favorite place to visit. Trips to the Caribbean islands for golf were another highlight of his travels. In Jim's most recent years, sitting on the patio with Jackie, reading a book, and enjoying a good cigar in the company of their dog, Joy, was his favorite pastime.

Jim is survived by Jackie his wife of forty years, son Michael (Kay) Volkert, two stepsons James Forester and Timothy Forester, three grandchildren Nikki (Kyle) Lewis, Kathleen (Chris) McLane, and Stephen Volkert, two-great-grandsons Emmett Lewis and Luke McLane, nephew Steven (Debbie) Leonard and niece Paulette (Andrew) Glantz.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a son James, his first wife Patti, his sister Shirley Leonard and his aunt Celeste Horn.

The family is grateful to Jennings Terrace staff and Gentiva Hospice for their caring assistance.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street Aurora, IL 60506, 630-631-5500.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY; to Holy Angels Church at 10:30 AM; Fr. Dean Smith will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered following the mass. Interment will be private.

Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Jim's family or sign the guest book.