James J. "Jim" Tulley

James J. “Jim” Tulley, 68, passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at home surrounded by the love of his family. Born May 3, 1950, the son of Edward M. Tulley and Margaret (McGrath) Tulley. Graduated from St. Bridget Elementary School and Boylan High School. Attended Rock Valley College. Married his high school sweetheart, Sue Michalik on July 4, 1970 at
St. Stanislaus Church in Rockford. Served in the National Guard from April 1969 – April 1975. Active member of St. Bridget Catholic Church for over 40 years. Jim began his career in retail sales at Spartans in Rockford; Shoppers Fair in Gary, IN and Detroit, MI; and Union Hall in Rockford. Jim spent 14 years as regional salesman, vice president, general manager of Tash, Inc. in Des Plaines, IL. Jim ended his sales career after 21 years up to his passing as Midwest sales representative for McVan, Inc., Attleboro, MA. Jim was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He achieved his 15 minutes of fame when he sued the Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. for impersonating a professional football team in October, 1981 for $58.40.
He leaves cherished, loving memories to his wife, Sue; daughter, Lisa (John) Gallagher; sons Eddie (Marie), WI; Jay (Kelly), St. Charles; Shawn (Jenna). Grandchildren Molly, Shannon, and Trevor Gallagher; Ashlei Savalla and Linsey Tulley; Connor, Matthew, Ben, Caleb and Maggie Tulley; Shayden, SueElla and Juni Tulley. Siblings, Pat (George) Riddiford; Tom (Kathryn) Tulley; Joe (Peg) Tulley. In-laws, Diane and Owen May; Dr. Mike Michalik; Jim and Sue Michalik; Joe and Asia Michalik; John and Cheri Michalik. Numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Ed and Stella Michalik; sister-in-law, Susan (Buhl) Tulley; and granddaughter, Gabriella Renee Tulley. Special thank you to nieces Alicia Olsen and Megan Wenn. Thank you also to the doctors and nurses of OSF and the staff of Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion, which has been both admired and appreciated.
Visitation from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108, with eulogy and rosary at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be at 11am, Friday, August 24, 2018 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL with a visitation from 10 am until mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. – Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com