James L. Waters

Green Bay – James Larson Waters (Jim) passed away surrounded by his loving family from bladder cancer on April 6, 2025. Jim was loved by all, and his heart of gold and sense of humor spread kindness to everyone who knew him. He spent his wonderful life as the most loving son, husband, dad, papa and friend.

The son of Everett and Letha (Larson) Waters was born on July 24, 1946 in Kewanee, IL. Jim attended Regis College in Denver where he met the love of his life and future wife Ginny Biebel. They were happily married for 55 years and raised 4 remarkable sons together.

Jim joined the Navy in 1968 and married Ginny the following year. The first 7 years had them moving to 8 different states including Hawaii. After the service he got his MBA at the University of Wisconsin. That is also where their first son, Bryan, was born. Jim’s first job after grad school was with Ford Motor Company in Detroit; he was then transferred to New Orleans, where Kevin was born. From there they returned to Ginny’s hometown of Green Bay where Brad and David were born. Ginny converted Jim from a Bears fan to a loyal Packers fan. Jim had a wonderful career working for Schreiber Foods until his retirement.

Once retired Jim enjoyed many outdoor activities. Jim and Ginny cofounded a bike group that is still very active today. Walking was an important part of Jim’s daily routine, as he was obsessed with recording his daily steps. He particularly fell in love with golf and collecting thousands of golf balls. A shrine of his most prized golf balls is legendary among those who have seen it. Jim and Ginny spent much of their summers at their condo in Egg Harbor and migrated south on a 9-week road trip each winter.

There was nothing Jim loved more than raising his four boys. He attended every single game they ever played in. Whether he was coaching or cheering the loudest from the stands, he was always beaming with pride. He took the family to Disney World every year, passing on his love of the Magic Kingdom to his boys and their future families. It was one of his dreams to someday drive the Disney shuttles.

Jim was not only a loving father and husband, but also a remarkable and cherished friend. The 6-pack, Birthday club, Dinner club, Neighborly, Los Hombres, and many more groups, clubs and social circles were all part of his everyday life. He was well known for his very liberal rules that his Los Hombres golf group were all entitled to use.

If you were lucky enough to know Jim, you knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do to help someone in need. Jim had a generous spirit and a big heart. He was involved in several community organizations throughout the years. He was still an active member of his spirituality group and continued delivering Meals on Wheels until this past February.

Jim is survived by his wife Ginny, and children Bryan (Sarah) Waters, Kevin (Katie) Waters, Brad (Nicole) Waters and David (Michelle) Waters. He is also survived by his grandchildren who adored their Papa Jim: Apollonia, Petra, Ben, Mary, Vincent, Dominic and Luca Waters; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Letha Waters, and his brother, Kenny Waters.

Family and friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:15 AM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Resurrection Church. The mass will also be streamed at https://www.gbres.org/live

The Family would like to thank Unity Hospice for making Jim’s last days so peaceful and comforting. A donation in his memory can be made to Unity Hospice, Salvation Army or Meals on Wheels.