A Legacy of Kindness
On January 26, 2026, Carol H. Horstmann, accompanied by her daughter Diane Norris, gathered with local nonprofit leaders to honor the life and legacy of her late husband, James “Jim” D. Horstmann. On the first anniversary of his passing, Carol distributed 16 checks to 14 local nonprofit organizations, making significant charitable donations in Jim’s memory to support causes across the Quad Cities. Recipients included:
- Augustana College
- Quad City Symphony Orchestra
- Alternatives for the Older Adult
- Rock Island Public Library Foundation
- Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities
- Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment
- Bethany For Children & Families
- Friendship Manor
- Arc of the Quad Cities
- Junior Achievement of the Heartland
- Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley
- German American Heritage Center
- Cardiology & Health Care Endowed Fund at UnityPoint Hospital
- Marriage & Family Counselling
For Carol, the date was intentional. She shared that Jim would have loved seeing the room filled with people and organizations he cared deeply about. Known for his kindness and generosity, Jim was a lifelong philanthropist who believed strongly in supporting his community. He wasn’t just aware of these organizations and the missions; he knew them personally. He not only formed friendships but contributed to these organizations as a board member or advisor. The gathering also marked a meaningful journey for Carol herself. While the charities had long been close to Jim’s heart, this event allowed her to connect with the organizations and learn more about the impact they make across the Quad Cities.
Both Jim and Carol studied at Augustana College, a place that remained central to their lives. Jim spent the final ten years of his career working at Augustana, further reflecting his commitment to education and community service.
“Working with Jim and Carol has been an honor,” said Amber Brummit, Senior Financial Advisor, Quad City Investment Center, “Knowing it supports so many local causes and reflects many of the same shared values we hold close at Quad City Bank & Trust makes it even more special.”
Carol hopes this act of giving not only keeps Jim’s memory alive, but also inspires others to consider how they, too, can create lasting impact through generosity. She shared, “I hope anyone who has the chance to give back will be encouraged to do so.” In honoring Jim, she reminded everyone present that kindness, when shared, continues to live on.
