James Ralph "Jim" Loula, 84, of Moline, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. A livestream of the service can be accessed at https://vimeo.com/1002126371/9a3aaad72b . Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the Genesius Guild.

Jim was born February 28, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois, to James Joseph and Jean (Brock) Loula. He graduated from Alleman High School in 1958. Alleman is where he saw a cute girl in the cafeteria, and decided he should help her with her campaign for school treasurer. She won that election, and Jim's heart, and Jim found the love of his life. They were Homecoming King and Queen together, and he and Carol Angerer were married on August 10, 1963, in Rock Island.

He attended the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship, earning his undergraduate degree in 1962 and his master's degree in 1963. He taught English at United Township High School for 31 years, retiring in 1994. He was much beloved for his unique approaches to teaching, including donning a set of moose antlers to conduct the poetry unit while seated in "Bullwinkle's Corner." He was also a dedicated football coach for several of those years. His impact as a coach and mentor to his players will be a lasting legacy.

Jim discovered his deep-seated love of Shakespeare while in college and shared that love not only with his students and his own children, but by becoming one of the earliest performers with Genesius Guild. His booming voice was not soon forgotten.  He was an avid, loyal, true-blue, heart-broken Chicago Cubs fan, and he (and his family and friends) are beyond grateful that he was able to enjoy a World Series Championship, surrounded by many of said friends and family. Those that were not in the room with him certainly shared the joy with him across the miles, and looking down from above. He was a passionate Democratic supporter and advocate, and hopes you take the perfect opportunity to honor him this fall.

He was an accomplished woodworker and was a member of the Quad Cities Woodturners Club. Although many people are in possession of cherished products of his labors, including pen sets, Christmas ornaments, and rocking chairs, what he most enjoyed was the process and the un-matched camaraderie of the woodshop. Many friends would stop by to work on their own projects, swap stories, and pull a cup (or 2) of Old Style from the garage keg fridge.

Above all, Jim loved spending time with his family, and they will miss him terribly. From his hilarious, oft-repeated stories, to making lemonade with grandchildren (complete with extra kisses blown into the pitcher to make it sweeter); his gentle admonishments when we would leave the house: "have fun…but not too much."; his multiple nicknames for those he loved, and his nicknames from those who loved him: Jim, Dad, Jimmy, Lou, Brother Jim, Bumpa, Ralph, Papa, Coach.

Those left to cherish Jim's memory include his wife of 61 years, Carol; children, James J. Loula, Christine (Brad Kopplin), Kathleen Bogart, and Karen (Jeff) Castoe; grandchildren, Emma Bogart, Joseph Bogart III, Shelby Castoe, Sarah Loula, Janey Castoe, Ethan Kopplin, Seth Castoe, Leo Kopplin, and Maggie Bogart; siblings, John (Loula) Deisenroth and Jeania Murphy, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Polly (Loula) Meagher.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Jim's family on his tribute wall at www.wheelanpressly.com.