Gerald "Jerry" James

Gerald Richard “Jerry” James, age 83, of Lanark, Illinois passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Manor Care Nursing Home, Freeport, Illinois. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. Wendelin's Catholic Church, Shannon, Illinois. Memorial visitation will be held 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2017 prior to the Mass at the Church. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Savanna.
Jerry was born near Mt. Carroll, on September 29, 1933 to Floyd and Florence (Noble) James. Jerry grew up in a modest farm home with four brothers, attending a small country school. Some of his favorite stories were of that crazy time and all the trouble 5 brothers can get into on a farm. His upbringing taught him compassion and generosity that would serve him and others the rest of his life. In Savanna High School he learned a skill that would become his lifelong vocation of auto body repair. It was also during this time that Dad met the love of his life, Patricia Ann (Pat) Lineback. The two married on July 26, 1954. In 1955, Jerry joined the Navy and the couple moved to San Diego, California where they met more lifelong friends and had many adventures. It also gave Dad more stories to tell. Discharged in 1957 and with a longing to move back to his native Carroll County, settling in Lanark.
Jerry and Pat were one unit (married almost 63 years) and they raised 3 daughters; Susan, Denise and Sandy. Jerry and Pat were completely devoted to their family and their lives were consumed with extended family activities and helping the girls grow during their formative years. One of Jerry’s favorite summer pastimes was boating on the Mississippi River with his close network of friends. He also enjoyed fishing with those friends and his brother-in-law Paul. He was a lifetime member of St. Wendelin’s Catholic Church in Shannon.
Jerry poured everything he had into his business that he started in 1961 - Lanark Body Shop. Over 35 years of owning and operating Lanark Body Shop, he made many friends and helped many customers. Jerry’s generosity, story-telling and dry sense of humor were appreciated by everyone he met and the Body Shop became a gathering place for the entire community. Jerry retired and sold his business in 1996.
Jerry is survived by wife, Pat ; three daughters, Susan (Orv) Snyder, Mary Denise (Rob) Williams and Sandy Nichols (Tanya Hobert), grandchildren Mandy (Adam) Cavaliere, Krista (Nick) Seidemann, Alli Williams, Drew Williams and Nate Nichols; 4 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Mackenzie, Avery and Mercedes; and two brothers, Floyd Jr. “Jesse” (Linda) James of Savanna and Clifton James of Mt. Vernon Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents; his cherished Aunt Helen; two brothers, Harold and Terry; an infant son at birth, Kenneth Edward and an infant daughter at birth, Mary Louise.The family welcomes memorial donations that will be shared with St. Wendelin's Catholic Church in Shannon.