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John Potts Obituary
John E. Potts Sr. 89, of Decatur, IL passed away at 6:55 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2024, in his residence with his loving family by his side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, with Rev. Chris Comerford, Celebrant. Burial will be in Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek. The family will have a visitation on Monday September 23rd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. Memorials may be made in John's memory to St. James Catholic Church or the Shriner's Children Hospital. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.
John was born February 21, 1935, in St. Francisville, IL the son of Ernest and Blanche (Barney) Potts. He married Mary L. Cook on October 24, 1953, and celebrated over seventy years of marriage. John had retired from CSX Railroad after 40 years. John was a member of St. James Catholic Church. He was an avid tennis player and had enjoyed coaching both youth basketball and baseball. John also was a diehard Illini and Chicago Cubs fan. John's wife Mary and their children and their families were the absolute loves of his life.
Surviving is his wife: Mary of Decatur; children: John E. Potts Jr. (Trish) of Olney, IL, Timothy A. Potts (Kim) of Middletown, OH, Nancy A. Benton (Bob) of Mt. Zion, IL, Dr. Samuel E. Potts (Valerie) of Greer, SC, Stacy A. Potts of Decatur, Joe Potts (Jill) of Monticello, IL, and Brad Potts (Beth) of Decatur; seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren also survive.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter: Mary E. Greene, his brother: Charles, grandchildren: Anthony Benton, Rachel Potts, and Jonathan Nieman, and his great-grandson: Rowan Greene.
Memories and Condolences
for John Potts
J C Nashland
March 22, 2025
Still missing my Adoration partner, John
Patrick O'Mara (homer)
September 23, 2024
So sorry for your loss and prayers your way to the Potts family.
Bob cox
September 23, 2024
Condolences to the Potts family , Mr.Potts was a huge influence in my grade school years coaching our basketball and baseball teams he will be missed by all.Prayers to the family for comfort during this time.
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J C Nashland
September 21, 2024
I will miss John at our 8am Adoration times at St. Mary´s chapel over the last 2 years
J C Nashland
Lillian Mantay
September 20, 2024
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the entire Potts family
Roberta Fox
September 20, 2024
My condolences to the entire Potts family. Mary, I always enjoyed seeing you and John and your family during the years I worked for Dr. Potts. You will be in my thoughts and prayers thru this difficult time.
Sister Glenda Bourgeois, st. James Parish Life Coordinator
September 19, 2024
Memories are blessings. May your loving memories of John support you in your loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend,
Sister Glenda Bourgeois, O.S.U.
Donna Portlock Higgins
September 18, 2024
My parents adored the Potts´ family. Dad always said it was a joy to work with a fellow Christian. I remember when you stayed with us when the kids were small, it was such fun for me as an only child left at home. My husband Patrick tells stories of when you lived near him on Riverside. Please accept our sincere sympathy and we will include you in our prayers and at Adoration.
Bob Lamb
September 17, 2024
Our family will cherish forever all the great memories we shared at the Baker Woods swimming pool and tennis courts, and always the refreshments at someones house. Also the great baseball games we went to all over central Illinois, and then a pickup game of basketball , or some kind of sport, that always got very competitive. "but what great fun!!!
Mary, and the entire family, please accept our deepest condolences.
Bob and Linda Lamb, Rob, Scott, And Brian and their extended families.
God Speed John!!
Michael L Garrett
September 17, 2024
Time is too slow for those who wait. Too swift for those who fear. Too long for those who grieve. Too short for those who rejoice. But for those who love, time is Eternity. Henry Van Dyke ( 1852 - 1933 ). M L Garrett CSX-T Engineer retire Garrett. In
M. J. Cronin M of W CSX
September 17, 2024
Sincerest condolences to the family.
Pat Morrison
September 17, 2024
He was a great coach and a great man and we all recognized that way back in our St. James Grade School basketball days. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences
Bob/Dorothy Goodall
September 17, 2024
Soo sorry for your loss. Great man with a great family GOD bless you all
Susan Dicks
September 17, 2024
To the whole Potts family but esp Nancy, Sam and Stacey . So sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart goes out to the whole family.
Ann Gogerty
September 17, 2024
I want to let you all that my family and me wish to share our condolences to you and your family we will keep you in our prayers and what a beautiful soul your husband and father was always so kind rest in peace Mr Potts much love forever
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Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home - Mt. Zion105 West Main Street, Mount Zion, IL 62549
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