James DeWayne Motter served in the U.S. Army

Corrected version, September 18.

James "Jim" "Duke" DeWayne Motter, 79, passed away September 16, 2024 at his residence.  Jim was born June 20, 1945 in Bluffton to the late Myron and Edith (Zimmerly) Motter.  On October 11, 1968 he married Pat Crawford Motter who survives.  

Jim graduated from Bluffton High School and was a M.P. in the United States Army and Vietnam veteran serving in Saigon from 1966-1971. He worked for Bluffton Stone Company for 49 1/2 years. He was an avid trapper, hunter, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan. Jim was a woodworker, gardener  and enjoyed fishing and westerns especially John Wayne. He had multiple coon dogs over his life and was a member of the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club and the Ada VFW Post 9381.  Jim was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who loved watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events.  He loved taking his grandchildren on Gator rides, taking trips to Holmes County with his wife Pat and caring for his roses just like his Mom did.  

Survivors include his wife, Pat Motter of Bluffton; two sons, Tom (Kelly) Motter of Lafayette, Ryan (Julie) Motter of Bluffton; eleven grandchildren, Kelson (Cole) Maloy, Kayla (Brent) Wilson, Danielle (Tanner) Mathewson,  Dawson (Maya) Redman, Eli Motter, Jordan Motter, Taylor Motter, Aurora Motter, Sydney Motter, Savannah Motter and Bristol Motter; five great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Rosie (John) Szippl of Bluffton, Pauline Williams of Bluffton and Kay (Jim) Sommer of Tremont, Illinois. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Edith Motter and two brothers-in-law, Bill Williams and Ron Ahten.

Jim’s service will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton with  Pastor Darrell Bucher officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, September 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton Athletic Boosters, Bluffton American Legion Post #382, or the Ada VFW Post 9381.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/

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