James Donald Golz, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, passionate golfer, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, following a sudden heart attack. He was 76.

Born in Aurora, Illinois in 1949 to Wilbur and Arlie (Parker) Golz, Jim was the youngest of three, growing up with his brother Dave and sister Mary Lee. His childhood was filled with joy, curiosity, and a budding love for golf—often riding his bike to Aurora Park for a morning round and a frozen Snickers and Coke before heading back out. He graduated from East Aurora High School in 1967, where he played on the golf team and began dating his high school sweetheart, Fran Tesch.

Jim and Fran both attended Illinois State University, marrying in 1969. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1971 and began his lifelong career in material handling sales at Equipto, which took them to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where their son Matthew was born in 1974. Shortly after, the young family returned to the Midwest, eventually settling in St. Charles, Illinois, where they spent 13 happy years.

Life in St. Charles was full of warmth and togetherness. Jim cherished evening bike rides and walks to the ice cream shop, movies and fireworks at the park, and quiet moments at home with Fran and Matt. He passed on his love of golf and building things to his son, and their home was filled with laughter, learning, and love.

Professionally, Jim spent over 15 years at Bradford Systems in Chicago, eventually becoming head of sales. He was known for his integrity, warmth, and ability to build lasting relationships—qualities that defined both his career and his character. One of his proudest achievements was leading the shelving project for the Chicago Public Library in 1991, then the largest library in the world. During his time at Bradford, Jim met Jane Gotzes, who would become his partner in life and love. They married in 1993.

Together, Jim and Jane embarked on a new adventure, moving to Seattle, WA, where they started their own business, Storage and Filing Systems. They welcomed Parker in 1996 and Abigail in 1998. After selling the business to the Solutions Group, Jim became General Manager. Their journey continued to Hudson, Ohio, where Jim worked as a regional manager, and then to Charlotte, NC, where they spent 14 wonderful years raising their children and building a life full of community and connection.

Jim’s final professional role was Director of Client Happiness at FileVault—a title that perfectly captured his spirit. But his true happiness came from time spent with family and friends. In Charlotte,

he became a cornerstone of St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving as Jr. Warden, choir member, usher, and outreach leader. He was a hands-on dad—building a treehouse with Matt, restoring a 50-year-old boat with Parker, building out the van with AJ, and remodeling homes with Jane. He gave daily hugs, shared wisdom, and made every moment count.

In retirement, Jim and Jane found their forever home at The Landings in Savannah, GA. Their days were filled with golf, travel, entertaining, and deep friendships. Jim’s generous spirit continued through weekly volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank and helping keep the neighborhood clean. He found joy in the simple beauty of the marsh, the laughter of friends, and the closeness of family.

Jim and Jane traveled often to be with loved ones—playing golf with David and Teresa, Jane’s sister, visiting AJ in the mountains, and spending time with Matt, Jenna, and his beloved grandchildren in Omaha. In just eight years at The Landings, they created a lifetime of memories. Jim’s warmth, humor, and unwavering love left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Golz; his children: Matt Golz (Jenna), Parker Golz (Katelyn Stewart, fiancée), and Abigail Golz; and his grandchildren: Harrison, Emily, and Taylor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial Service 10 AM Wednesday, July 30th, 2025

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Savannah, Georgia

A Memorial Fund has been established in his honor at Kids Café/Second Harvest Food Bank, Savannah, Georgia. Link found here.