James "Jim" Fobert

1954 - 2025

James "Jim" Fobert

September 2, 1954 - November 5, 2025

James "Jim" Fobert, 71, of Moline, Ill., passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at home. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Jim's life will be honored and celebrated by all who knew him.

Jim's journey began on September 2, 1954, in Rock Island, Ill., where he was born to Francis "Bud" and Joan Wells Fobert. He married his beloved wife, Kathy Brasch, on June 30, 1979, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf, Iowa. Their marriage of over four decades blossomed into a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Jim dedicated 30 years to the noble profession of firefighting, culminating in his role as the Rock Island Fire Chief from November 2010 until his retirement in March 2016. Prior to his distinguished service, he worked at International Harvester in East Moline and drove an ambulance for both the Illini Ambulance and Paul Penny at United Ambulance. Jim was not only a leader in his profession but also deeply involved in his community, serving as past president of the Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters and as a trustee on the Rock Island Fire Pension Board. His commitment extended to St. Pius X Catholic Church, where he was an active member and a proud Knight of Columbus.

Beyond his professional and civic contributions, Jim enjoyed playing in the senior softball league. A devoted grandfather, he cherished the time spent cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports, including soccer, baseball, and softball.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Fobert of Moline; his children, Michelle (Charlie) Bottenberg of Waukee, Iowa, Jimmy M. (David Singletary) Fobert of Roseland, N.J., and Missy (Paul) Lambrecht of Moline, Ill.; and his treasured grandchildren, Liam, Alaina, Landon, Charlotte, Sophia, Matthew, Ethan, and Emma. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings: Rita (Larry) Daffara, Pamela (Michael) Creger, Theresa (Tony) Martinez, Mary (Troy) Randall, Joni (Bill) Saelens, Cheryl (Doug) Akin, David (Barbara) Fobert, Thomas (Laurie) Fobert, Robert (Lori) Fobert, Steve (Kim) Fobert, Greg (Sandy) Fobert; sister-in-law, Nancy Fobert; as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gary Fobert; and nephew, Cory Creger.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The funeral services will commence with a rosary being recited at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. A visitation will follow from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island, with inurnment to take place at Calvary Cemetery in Rock Island.

In honor of Jim's legacy, the family asks for memorials, in lieu of flowers, to Alleman High School and the Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters.

Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory

3030 7th Avenue

Rock Island, Illinois 61201

309-786-5421