James L. Hulskotter, age 81, of New Prague, died peacefully at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Jim was born on May 20, 1944, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Everett and Lucille (Janetzky) Hulskotter. He grew up in Vandalia, graduating from Vandalia High School and entered the University of Illinois, majoring in civil engineering. He was drafted into the US Army in his third year of college and served as a drill sergeant during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Loann Willett, in October of 1966, and finished his degree. He worked as a heavy highway construction superintendent.

After retirement, Jim and Loann moved from Michigan to Cleveland, MN to be closer to their grandsons, where Jim became one of their greatest sports fans, enjoying whatever they were involved in. His work ethic followed him throughout life and he was constantly looking for the "next project". Summers would find him serving as the resident handyman at his son and daughter-in-law's greenhouse; the colder 6 months of the year, found them enjoying the sunshine of Florida. He was an outdoorsman at heart, hunting in his younger years and enjoying the sport of trapshooting well into his later years. He enjoyed restoring '55-'57 Ford Thunderbirds and a very special '62 Corvette. Jim's outgoing personality made him an easy mark for an invitation to sit down and have a beer. He was loved by all, enjoyed taking good care of those he loved and was always ready with a big laugh!

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Loann Hulskotter; son, Dannon (Amy) Hulskotter; grandsons, Jack and Alexander. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorene Locke; brother, Michael Hulskotter.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jim's favorite gun club: Imperial Polk Gun Club C/O Robert Delong, 548 Cody Caleb Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33884.