James Motl

MIDDLETON--James "Jim" Vincent Motl passed away at the Veteran's Administration (VA) Hospital in Madison on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. After almost 95 years, he has returned to his Creator and to join his wife who has been waiting for him. Jim was born on July 19, 1917, and raised in Marshall, WI. After graduating from UW-Madison in 1939, he headed to Bloomington, WI, to teach until he joined the service to fight for his country in WWII. Upon his return and a lengthy recuperation from an injury he received shortly after his arrival in Europe, he married the love of his life Elizabeth Motl (Fox) and returned to teaching in Columbus, WI. In 1947 he embarked on a new career with the Rural Mutual Insurance Co., where he spent the next 35 years. Upon his retirement, San Diego, CA and then Naples, FL became the home away from home. Shortly after losing his wife in 2008, he moved to the Jefferson Independent Senior Living facility in Middleton where he has spent the last three years. The staff always looked out for him and took such good care of him (he often said he couldn't be in a better place). Jim always remembered and often quoted what his mother told him, "It's no fun growing old."
He is survived by his children Greg (Roseann) and Susan (Carl) Grady; his grandchildren Ryan and Casey Grady of Middleton, Randy (Sarah) of Mt. Horeb, Theran (Jessica) of Wauwatosa, and Nicole (Ross) McCoy of Milwaukee; and the love of his life his great grandchildren Gwen, Addison, Amelia, Ben, and Molly. He is also survived by his sister Betty Krebs, his brothers Dick (Mary Jo) and Dave (Vernice), his sisters-in-law Jane and Shirley, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Helen, and two younger brothers Phil and Tom.
His family meant everything to him, and he meant everything to us. We will miss him and are so grateful that he had so many wonderful years before he left us. His spirit will always be with us. It is in losing those we love that we come to understand better how precious life is. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something special for someone dear to you.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff on the 7th floor and in the new hospice care facility at the VA for the care and compassion they showed Jim during his last days. They were truly amazing.