James Wayland Potts, 86, of Herod,Il. passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Harrisburg Medical Center. James Is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma J. Lindsay Potts, daughter Kathy (Ernie) Pennell, Cave In Rock, IL., and son, James Burtis Potts of Herod, IL., granddaughters, Brandi Pennell, Amanda (Adam) Morton, Katie Pennell (John Benton), and great- grandchildren, Helen and George Benton-Pennell. He is also survived by hie sisters, Nola Goolsby and Wanda Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Beulah Carter Potts, sisters, Murvin Forster and Hazel Brown, and brothers, Earl, Raymond, Elmer Junior and Charlie Potts. James was a decades long member of IUOE Local 318. He was a brilliant mechanic and loved nothing better than repairing something that had been declared "unfixable". He was greatly loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Hardin County Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. A graveside service is planned and burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery.