James C. Almond

James C. "Jim" Almond, 70, Rockford, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at SwedishAmerican Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born June 25, 1939, in Rockford, the son of Roy and Helen (Garry) Almond. Jim married Willa M. Gottman in Rockford on October 15, 1983. He was a sales rep in the grocery industry. Jim is a member of Rockford First Assembly. The two most important things in Jims life were God and family. His greatest joy was preparing for and entertaining family in his home. Jim had an unforgettable personality and was certainly not your "average Jim" . He was a 1957 graduate of St. Thomas Catholic High School.Survived by his wife, Willa; brother, Tom Almond; sisters, Mary Lindstrand and Margie Hobbs; nieces and nephews, Don, Diane, David, Dan, Chris, Garry, Cathy, Jeff and Andy; and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law and 2 nieces.Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Monday, August 3, 2009, at Rockford First Assembly, in the auditorium, 5950 Spring Creek Rd. Rockford, IL 61114 with Pastor Bob Taylor officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 5pm until 8 pm Sunday, August 2, 2009, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL, 61108 and from 9:30 am until 10:15 am on Monday at the church. Send online condolences to www.fitzgeraldfh.com