James "Jim" John Pugh

James John “Jim” Pugh, age 80, of Chadwick, IL, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 9, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 10, at SS John and Catherine Catholic Church, in Mt. Carroll, IL. at 11 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to Friday’s Mass, at the church. Burial will follow at Chadwick Cemetery.

Jim was born May 12, 1945, in Chicago, IL, the son of Elmer and Mary. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in his teen years and served during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he married Peggy Smith on September 13, 1969, in Savanna, IL. Jim and Peggy settled in Chadwick and created a life built on family and community. Jim completed a 32 year career with Northwestern Steel and Wire Company, and was a member of Saints John and Catherine Catholic Church. He was a fourth-degree Knights of Columbus, a member of the Chadwick-Milledgeville American Legion, the Savanna VFW, the Savanna Moose Lodge, the Galena Elks Lodge, and he was deeply honored to take part in the Honor Flight.

Jim was a man who embraced life fully, finding joy in the simple pleasures of golfing, camping, and traveling throughout the country with his beloved wife, Peggy; with New Orleans being a place they returned to often and held close to their hearts. For many years they made a home-away-from-home at Timber Lake Resort and later, at 7 Eagles Resort and Campground where life-long friendships were made. Jim was the kind of man who made friends wherever he went.

He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren, often thanking God for the blessing of their love and presence. As a father and grandfather, he never missed an event and his presence will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Peggy; three daughters, Angie (Brad) Alexander, Gina (Guy) Pauley, and Stephanie (Mike) Parker; six grandchildren, Madison, Cooper, Claire, Cara, Ava, and Abi; two great-grandchildren, Avery and Mia; and one sister, Patricia Sinda. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

A memorial will be established in his name.