James Lawrence Rotter

James (Jim/Uncle Jimmy) Lawrence Rotter, 67, of Green Bay Wisconsin, reluctantly surrendered to the inevitable on November 21, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family through multiple health complications that he had battled for years and he fought through to the end with his remaining quote “left hook”. Jim frequently reminded everyone of his “hoodlum days” and pridefully did not succumb to his illnesses without a tremendous fight.

He was born to parents George P. Rotter and W. Margaret Rotter on January 19, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He moved to Green Bay with his family in second grade. As a young child, James was particularly unselfish and giving, so much so, George once complained as young Jimmy gave away most of the toys and treats he worked so hard to buy him. His loving heart was set at a very young age.

Jim graduated from Premontre High School and went on to study English Literature and Business Law at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. His time at the University shaped his intellect and left him with many great stories and lessons that he would share throughout his life with anybody that had the time to listen.

From middle school through young adulthood, Jim was the lead singer and keyboard player of a few local bands of which he was proud to wear the long hair his mother despised. Jim had a special passion for Music his whole life. He was able to dissect songs on the radio and write the sheet music before it was in stores for his bands to play. As a boy, he was a pianist and won many awards in classical music competitions and later shared his musical talents with his own children. Over the years, there would be delightful singing and playing of all types of music in the house that brought a special kind of joy in their day-to-day world.

Jim was also a wordsmith and had great passion for reading and writing. His views on literature were extremely deep and profound. He shared this gift with everyone he met. Jim was never hesitant to quote over and over his favorite “snippets” of something he found delightful or brilliant from the closets of books he read.

After college, Jim worked as a Restaurant Owner and Cook at the R Fine Family Restaurant in downtown Green Bay along with his family. He held various jobs over his years including Insurance Sales, Accountant/tax prep work, Forklift Operator and Certified Nurses Aide. His can-do attitude and pride made him an ideal example of a hard working American willing to do whatever it takes. He touched many people over the years no matter where he worked, often picking out ones that needed help and lifted them up to succeed.

Jim met the love of his life June (Detert) Rotter at the restaurant upon returning from college. They were married on October 4, 1975. Together they raised a little hell, raised a home, then raised 2 children: Kathryn Anne and Michael James.

He was preceded in death by his father George P. Rotter and mother W. Margaret Rotter, both in 2011.

Jim is survived by his loving wife (and personal chef) June of 43 years. Throughout his journey he made a point to tell every physician he encountered about her talents in the kitchen. He loved her with a passion and dedication that drove his very existence until the bitter end. Even as his own mortality shrank, all he wanted was for his love to be well and cared for. She was always the “Great Woman” behind his “Great Man” intellect.

Jim is further survived by first born, and arguably his favorite child, Kathryn Anne “The Teetah” and her husband Jeremy Karnz. He knew Jeremy had the inner strength to care for and protect her and was very proud of everything they have accomplished together. Katie gave Jim the gift of being the nurse-in-the-family to assist him in his medical struggles during his last years. That last sentence can’t even begin to describe the kind of personal sacrifice that Katie displayed, providing a level of care and comfort the richest Kings and Sultans couldn’t receive with all the money in the world. Her undying loyalty and dedication to her father is the strongest type of love this world has to offer. Her family loves and thanks her with all of their hearts.

He is also survived by Michael James “The Boodsid Boy” and his wife April Rotter. They gave Jim the gift of two beautiful grandchildren: Aubrey (9) and Adrian (5) of whom he loved more than anything. He often spoke of how April was the perfect fit for Michael. She held a very loving place in his heart right from the beginning. Michael is everything Jim had ever hoped for in a son and they would talk for days and weeks about anything and everything. Michael had many questions about the world growing up and Jim taught him how to think, research and to keep looking for answers even if they couldn’t be found easily.

Further family includes a loving sister Mary (Mitzi) Bogda who was never further than a phone call away even though she lives across the country. Her summer visits always included many all night conversations that would end at daybreak. Jim also has many nieces & nephews from both sides of the family which individually held special places in his heart. You know who you are.

The family has entrusted Simply Cremation with his final care. Per Jim’s wishes, there will not be a formal service, although he did request prime rib be served at the next family gathering in his honor.

Jim Rotter was a kind and gentle man who put himself second to other’s needs his whole life. Many remember him best for his quick wit, love for four-letter words and entertaining personality. Jim could hold conversations for hours with just about anyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all he knew.

As a family, we give ‘Special Thanks’ to the Entire Heartland Hospice Team for their exceptionable Loving Care and Compassion as his neurons became drowsy with this life.

This was one of Jim’s favorite songs, and will always carry a
Special Meaning in the Hearts of his Family:

As far as my eyes can see
There are shadows surrounding me
And to those I leave behind
I want you all to know
You've always shared my darkest hours
I'll miss you when I go

And oh, when I'm old and wise
Heavy words that tossed and blew me
Like autumn winds will blow right through me
And someday in the mist of time
When they ask you if you knew me
Remember that you were a friend of mine
As the final curtain falls before my eyes
Oh when I'm Old and wise