James "Jim" Richard Waters, 80 years old, a resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died in the early morning July 26, 2017 at home. Mr. Waters was born to Arnold R. and Mary L. Waters January 8, 1937 in Decatur, Illinois.

He attended schools in Springfield, Illinois where he had an outstanding career in track and field. Jim attended Anderson University in Indiana, Millikin University in Decatur Illinois, and Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. He received a Bachelor's in English Chemistry and Biology. While at Ohio State, he did studies on animals. Later in life, he used his knowledge in the sciences and did research on water purification and came up with a proposal to clean up sludge water to make it drinkable.

James is survived by his first wife Norma of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and daughter, Cheri. From his second marriage, he is survived by daughters, Jaquline (Robert) Steele, Jenni Sena, Jhanna Waters. Jim is also survived by his third marriage Patricia Waters of Springfield, Illinois. He has 13 surviving grandchildren, with Matthew David Waters preceding him in death. He made the count 14. Jim also has 1 great grandchild born this year.

Jim has held many occupations in his life, but his best one he would say would be being a grandfather. Towards the end of his life when he became housebound, he enjoyed watching his grandkids' sporting events on video. He also liked skyping his grandchidlren that didn't live close by. He was a big fan in all the kids' achievements. He was especially welcoming of his first great grandbaby girl Averie. He felt very blessed.

There will be a private memorial service to be announced later.