James M. Troutman

James M. Troutman of Frankfort, Illinois was born in Joliet on December 28th, 1938, and entered eternal life on October 22, 2023, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marjorie (Mitchell) Troutman, and a brother, Thomas Troutman. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Anderson) Troutman; two sons, Brent (Jennifer) Troutman of Orland Park and Bruce (Kristin) Troutman of Flossmoor; a sister, Bette Temper of Joliet; two grandsons, Ryan Troutman and Benjamin Troutman of Flossmoor.

Jim graduated in 1957 from Joliet Township High School. His first job was working in sales for his dad’s butter company. He earned enough to purchase a 1957 Chevy convertible, which was his prized possession. Jim went on to attend Joliet Junior College and Northern Illinois University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting and a master’s degree in School Business Management. He began his career as Purchasing Agent for the Decatur Public School System, from which he then transitioned into his path of business management at various community colleges in Central Illinois. In 1975, Jim moved his family from Forsyth to Crete to pursue a new position at Prairie State College. His roles there included Vice President of Finance and Business Services, Vice President for Administration and Interim President. Along with his professional duties at Prairie State College, Jim served as Treasurer on the Prairie State College Foundation.

Jim was an active member in several professional business organizations, which included Illinois Association of Community College Business Administrators and National Association of College and University Business Officials.

It was important for Jim to volunteer his time. He served for years on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Heights Lions Club, where he held many offices, including President. Jim also sat on the boards of the Crete United Methodist Church, Salvation Army of Chicago Heights, and United Way Crusade of Mercy for Chicago Heights.

Jim loved spending time at his Michigan lake home with friends and family. He was a do-it-yourself guy and it wouldn't be unusual to find him walking around Home Depot to plan his next home project. Some highlights of his life were taking trips with his entire family, watching his grandsons play sports, and golfing. Jim was the type of person to do the little things that meant a lot without being asked. He will always be remembered for his kindness, hard work ethic, willingness to help others, sense of humor, and devotion to family. Donations can be made to Crete United Methodist Church, 1321 Main Street, Crete IL 60417.

A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 65 Old Frankfort Way Frankfort, IL  on Wednesday November 1, 2023 from 1-5pm, when a chapel service will begin.