Thomas Jackson Potter, 73, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by family.
Tom was born in Morrison on January 15, 1951, to Robert H. and Barbara S. Potter. He graduated from Morrison High School in 1969, earned a BA in Economics from Carleton College in 1973, and graduated from the University of Iowa School of Law in 1976. Tom began practicing law in Wellman, IA, in the law office of Albion J. Young, where he served as a Judicial Magistrate from 1977 through 1981. In 1981, he returned to Morrison, where he joined Bull, Ludens, Potter, and Burch, a law firm founded in 1868.
Tom served as an Iowa Judicial Magistrate, on the Morrison Coliseum Board, on the Hearing and Oversight Boards of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, and on the Sterling Park Board. He was a Special Assistant Attorney General for land acquisition matters.
Tom was involved with the Morrison Education Foundation, Morrison Community Hospital District, Fulton Flood Control District, and Cat Tail Drainage District. He was a member of the Illinois State Bar, Iowa State Bar, Whiteside County Bar, Carroll Country Bar, and the Lincoln Highway Association. He supported Continuing Legal Education, Whiteside County Democratic Party, Paint the Town, Timberlake Playhouse, and many other civic and arts organizations.
A banjo player, Tom married fellow banjo player Nancy Osburn, in Iowa City, IA, in 1981. Tom and Nancy enjoyed playing Old-Time music. Later, they explored Cajun music by attending Augusta Heritage Music Camps and taking trips to Louisiana. Tom also performed with several bands, including the Johnson County String Band and the Swine Flu String Band. He enjoyed gardening, attending music festivals, playing hockey and baseball, and he was a huge fan of the Chicago Blackhawks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Ann C. Potter.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Laura Morris of Culpeper, VA, Cassandra Morris (Rich Morris) of Jacksonville, AR, Jackson Potter (Rachel Penczykowski) of University City, MO, and John Potter (Sandrea Potter), Morrison; grandchildren, Zachary Francis, Alyssa Gaskins (Griffin Gaskins), Trey Morris, Drew Morris, Elijah Morris, Jesse Morris, Ilona Potter, Ziggy Potter, Leo Potter, Ace Potter; great-grandchild, Milo Gaskins; sister, Sally Potter (Ruelaine Stokes) of Lansing, MI.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with remarks, stories, and music at 3:00, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Ludens and Potter, 600 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be mailed to the Morrison Educational Foundation, PO Box 360, Morrison, IL 61270.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.