James Louis Walzer (aka Jim, Waldo, Wally) passed away in his home on April 2, 2022 in Rockford, IL after a long fought battle with COPD. He outlived every physician's expectation of his health and left this earth quickly, peacefully, exactly how he wanted, in the company of his wife Cindy and childhood best friend Mary Lou Saylor. He was 72.

Jim was born on September 22, 1949 in Spring Valley, IL to his parents, Emmett and Hilda (Becker) Walzer. He was one of eight children (all with "J" names), residing in Mendota, IL and graduating from Mendota High School with his beloved class of 1967. After high school He attended the two year tech school in Morrison, Il. From there he was offered a job at Lockeed Martin in St. Louis, in design/engineering. While there he was drafted into the Army and luckily was stationed in Germany for his service. When he was released from the Army he applied for a position at Caterpillar in Aurora which lasted 15 years. In 1986 he took and design/engineering position with Hamilton Sundstrand in Rockford. He was released on disability in 2009 after a chemical spill in the test area. He served 23 years with Hamilton Sundstrand. He took immense pride in his many Army accomplishments, and received a letter of outstanding service from a commanding officer sent to his parents noting his strength of character and leadership skills. A proud and loyal American, he loved nothing more than his country and his experience serving in the military while stationed in Frankfort, Germany.

Jim's post-military life transitioned straight into his passion for engineering. A tinkerer-at-heart, his meticulous organizational abilities, creative brainstorming visions, and problem-solving skills lead to great success in his career as an engineer. He was a valued employee at Caterpillar in Aurora, IL through 1986, where he met colleagues that became deeply valued, life-long friends. In 1986, Jim took a position with Hamilton Sundstrand (now United Technologies Corp) in Rockford, IL where he would work as a Senior Lead Mechanical Designer in Aerospace through retirement. Many of his coworkers, friends, and family have fond memories of driving past the Sundstrand plant and spotting his unique Chevy trucks, one colored of rust, and one of vivid yellow. Jim enjoyed playing in the company softball league annually and was a big advocate of his employer. He loved discussing upcoming design roll-outs, test phases, gear boxes, space station cooling units, and redesign projects of the Osprey Helicopter with anyone that had a few spare minutes or happened to make eye contact. His excitement for his career was contagious.  Among his many accomplishments, his design work helped secure multiple patents on various aircraft, most notably the Joint Strike Fighter F35 and the Titan IVB Rocket. Jim was also known around the office for his practical jokes, clever gift inventions, robust appetite, determined spirit, and as a loyal fishing trip participant.

Jim was an avid golfer, softball player, fisherman and bowler.  He loved spending time with family, watching his grandchildren excel in their sports, and was always the first to help out a friend, colleague, or neighbor in need of a hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Hilda (Becker) Walzer, sister Joann and husband Ron Rebholz, his brother-in-law Karl Zimmerman and a sister at birth Jill.

Jim Walzer is survived by his wife Cindy (Pohl) Walzer; siblings Judy Mumbower and Jeanne Zimmerman, Joyce Cramer, Jerry Walzer, Janet (Mark) Mellott, his two children Brandi Walzer Knoepfel, Jamie (Bill) Walzer Pappas and their mother Nancy Walzer and a beautiful blended family including Nicole (Tim) Mertes, Kym (Hans) van Zanten, Michael (Stephanie) Piller, Sarah (Pete) Shanks, Jason (Corey) Foster, along with 20 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Waldo's life. James Walzer's visitation will take place on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Merritt Funeral Home with Rev. Darren Loeppky officiating. Cremation rites will follow and private burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.