James L. Potter

James L. Potter, age 74, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2018, at his residence. He was born on May 28, 1944, the son of Cecil and Bernice (Laugesen) Potter. Jim graduated from Lancaster High School in 1962. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he was a KC135 air-refueling aircraft mechanic. Jim was united in marriage to Joyce E. Thornhille. He was part of the original crewmen that build high voltage electricity lines across the United Sates. Upon returning to Lancaster, Jim was employed for Alliant Energy and later, Grant Electric Co-op, retiring in 2009. He was an amazing father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. Jim enjoyed woodworking, gardening, boating, fishing, and spending time with his best friend and love of his life, Pat. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children: Brent, Christopher, and Nicole Potter; grandchildren: Corbin, Kalie Jo, Dominick, and Elizabeth Potter; his dear partner, Pat Graham; sisters: Donna Grassl, Carolyn (Wayne) Potter-Haase, and Cecelia (Redmond) Mills; a sister-in-law, Darlene Potter.
In addition to his parents, Cecil Potter and Bernice (Dawson) Salis, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce in 1975; a brother, Roger; and a brother-in-law, Dick Grassl.
Grave side services with military honors will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster, with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral ceremony. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with his care.