James G. Cragan

James G. Cragan, 74, died August 20, 2010 at his home in Orlando, Florida after a lengthy battle with metastatic cancer. Born October 2, 1935 to Clarence G. and Florence McDonnell Cragan, the Rockford native married Angela Frankovich at St. Patrick Catholic Church on May 14, 1960.After graduating from St. Thomas High School in 1953, he spent three years in the United States Marine Corps. On October 1, 1957, he joined the Rockford Fire Department where he served for 24 years. After eight years as Chief of the department, he retired upon appointment as the founding Chief of Orange County Fire Rescue in Orlando, Florida.His desire for knowledge and learning pushed him beyond his education at Rock Valley College to earn a B.S. and M.S. in Business Education from Northern Illinois University. He was the first active Rockford firefighter to receive a bachelors degree. After five years with Orange County, he devoted the end of his professional career to his true passion- teaching. He enriched fire safety education for eight years as the Fire Science Coordinator for Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Survivors include his wife, Angela; children, Michael G. (Michelle), Colleen M. and Patrick M. (Laurie grandchildren, Jessica Polk, Thomas Cragan, Anna Cragan, Christopher Cragan and Allison Huss. Also survived by his siblings, June E. (Charles) Bratina of Winnebago, John F. (Elizabeth) Cragan of Minneapolis, Joseph M. (Barbara) Cragan of Barrington, Mary L. (Dennis) Arnold of Rockford; beloved aunt, Georgia McDonnell Caccia and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents and daughter Maureen.A memorial Mass will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2010 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. William R. Wentink officiating. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, 2501 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32804 or the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation, POB 7, Skokie, IL 60076. Express condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.