James E. Cato, 80, of Milan, IL. Passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 2, 2026, in The Runge Mortuary Chapel with visitation beginning at 11:00 A.M. until service time. He will be laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society c/o Russell and Ann Gerdin, Hope Lodge 750 Hawkins DR., Iowa City, IA. 52246. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.therungemortuary.com
Jim was born to Lloyd and Margaret (Otto) Cato on November 22, 1945, in Jeffersonville, IN. He attended West High School, graduating in 1964. He served proudly in The United States Airforce (1967-1969).
Jim was united in marriage to Barbara Hubble October 16, 1971, in Davenport and shared 54 beautiful years together. He was employed at Alcoa Aluminum from 1965 - 2002, retiring after 37 years. He worked as a mill operator, general mechanic, and documented safety work procedures. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers, USW Local # 105.
He loved fly fishing and was a member of the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Tracie Cato; son, Michael (Kathleen) Cato; siblings, Mary (Eric) Koster, David (Kathi) Cato, Janice (Bruce) Goacher, Mark Cato ; grandchildren, Stephenie Cramm, Ellen (Lauren) Border, Brianna (Zachary) Rasmussen, Samuel Border, Nicholas Cato, Alysa Cato, Devon Cato; great grandchildren, Matthew Rasmussen, Samuel “Sammy” Border, Violet Border, E’mari Hackett, Lilymay Rasmussen, Kairi Burrough and Zachary Burrough. He is also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edmond Cato.
