Jim Harold Laatsch, 83, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on October 12, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Born December 15, 1942, in Wood River, Illinois, to Herman and Elda Laatsch, Jim lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a wonderful sense of humor.

Jim shared nearly 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy, falling just two weeks shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering commitment. Jim was a devoted husband and father who showed his love not so much through words, but through the countless ways he cared for those closest to him.

Jim spent much of his professional career with IRI, an industrial insurance company. A hardworking and dedicated provider, he took great pride in building a stable and comfortable life for his family.

Outside of work, Jim was an expert marksman and a skilled woodturner, pursuits that reflected his precision, patience, and craftsmanship. He had a quick wit and a wonderfully dry sense of humor, often bringing laughter to everyday moments with a perfectly timed remark.

Above all, Jim was a man his family could always count on. His steady, dependable presence provided a lifetime of security, comfort, and unconditional love. He was their constant, someone who was always there, no matter what life brought their way. His strength, generosity, and quiet devotion made him an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Laatsch, and his parents, Herman and Elda Laatsch.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Laatsch, and daughter-in-law, Jessica; his daughter, Jennifer Hunt; and his four grandchildren, Alex, Ashley, Marisol, and Quentin.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, his unwavering dedication to his family, and the countless ways he made life better for those he loved. His greatest legacy is not simply the life he built, but the love, stability, and strength he leaves behind.