James Cotti

James “Jim” Cotti, age 77, of Lodi, WI, formerly of Elburn, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep, waking to a Heavenly morning and reunion with his wife Rita, on Dec 3rd 2019.
“Jimmy” was born at 7:29am on November 24th, 1942 in Delnor Hospital, St. Charles. He weighed 6 lbs., 12.25 oz.
Jim grew up in central St. Charles, the only child of Dario and Olga Cotti. He was born into the middle of WWII, and shortly after his birth, his Father was called to war, leaving the new mom to tend after young Jimmy alone until late 1945. After the War, Jimmy grew up spending many long summer days and adventurous winter nights playing with his cousins and close friends. Jimmy participated in Cub Scouts, was an altar boy at St. Patrick’s church, and played many years of baseball.
Jim was formally educated at St. Patrick’s Catholic School through 8th grade before moving on to Marmion Academy and St. Charles High School. He was part of the class of 1961. Jim’s informal education took place working many weekends and summer days helping his father and Uncle (Medeyo) in their bar in downtown St. Charles.
Appropriately enough, Jim met his wife Rita Halsey while tending bar. The mirror behind him offered more than a reflection of themselves, it showed a future partnership where both would work and love, side by side, through thick and thin. They were united in marriage at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on the hottest day of the year, July 11, 1970.
They began their new life together in Lily Lake, where they welcomed their only child, Chad into the family in 1978. Shortly after their son’s arrival, they moved to Elburn after purchasing the Second Inning Tavern in Elburn, also known as Ducky’s. After several wonderful years in Elburn, new adventure called, bringing Jim and his family to Ft. Atkinson, WI. Here Jim and Rita established Cotti’s Sunset Lodge on the shores of Lake Koshkonong. A few years later in 1996, Elburn called again to bring them home where they continued to make memories with family and friends until Rita’s passing in September of 2012. After Rita’s passing, Jim retired to live on Lake Wisconsin in Lodi. Here in Wisconsin he would spend his remaining years fishing almost daily, making new friends, and enjoying the company of his two wonderful grandchildren.
Jim’s early years saw him employed as a meat cutter in St. Charles, before embarking on his 40 year career of owning and operating four taverns in Illinois and Wisconsin. Jim’s businesses where happy places that reflected his warm personality, as they were always filled with laughter and joy. Jim loved what he did, because he loved people, and he was successful at what he did, because they loved him.
Jim was proudly affiliated with the Lions Club, the Order of Moose, the United States Army, and the Catholic Church during his life. He was also a frequent volunteer at the American Legion and other charitable organizations.
He is survived by his loving son, Chad Cotti, daughter-in-law, Kasi Koshollek, and his grandchildren Edison (7) and Campbell(3). Like so many who came to know Jim, the lives of his family are immeasurably brighter for the wonderful years they got be with him; sharing in his warm spirit and joy of life. They will miss him tremendously.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Dario (1966) and Olga (1998), and his wife Rita (2012).
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a memorial service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Jim’s name. Checks may be made to the “James Cotti Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a memorial service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Private