E. Bruce James

E. Bruce James, 77
Machesney Park- E. Bruce James, 77, passed away February 2 in his home with his wife of 51 years by his side. Born November 8, 1938 in Rockford the son of Thomas and Eulah (Diedrich) James. He graduated from West High School, class of 1957. He married Ann Lois Giles on November 14, 1964 in Polo, Illinois. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church and then Beth Eden United Methodist Church. Worked at Harry's Flower on West State Street and later at Woodward Governor in Rockford and Rockton, IL, for over 32 years retiring in 2000.
Bruce was very artistic and enjoyed many hobbies and crafts through the years including gardening; floral arranging to make wreaths, bouquets and grave blankets for family; cake decorating; and rubber stamping to make cards.
Those left to cherish his memory and traditions are his wife, Ann; daughters Amy (Greg) Nelson of Stephens, AR and Jennifer (Chris) Jones of Alton, IL; sisters Norma Boyer of Machesney Park, IL and Linda Patino of Rockford, IL; granddaughter Gabrielle Nelson; honorary grandfather to Anthony, Samantha, Emma, Amanda, Andrew, Aaron and Isaac; and many nieces nephews great-nieces and great- nephews.
Predeceased by parents Thomas and Eulah James; sisters Patty James and Janice Glover; brother Donald James; nephew Timothy Boyer and Troy Boyer; and niece Patty Logsdon.
Memorial service will be held 12 noon Monday, February 8th at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL. Visitation from 11 AM until time of service. A private burial will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, MO, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society or Visiting Nurses Association Hospice. Fitzgerald funeral home and crematory 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com