James G. Malavolti

James George Malavolti, 88, of Rockford died Saturday, November 5, 2016 in his home at Peterson Meadows. Born February 21, 1928 in Mark, IL the son of Carlo and Enis (Tondi) Malavolti and entered into the US Army serving prior to the Korean War from 1946-1948. James married Shirley Ann Laymon on August 14, 1949 and began their life in Rockford where they worked together as owner operators of Ferguson Grocery Store and then a neighborhood grocery store on the Southwest side of Rockford. In the late 50’s and early 60’s they owned and operated the C & C Drive-in. During this time Jim began working at Sundstrand while his wife and parents kept the drive-in going. After the business was sold Jim continued to work at Sundstrand and also became a construction partner with Claude Hull, together they built several homes/apts. For a short time in the late 60’s they operated a donut/ice cream shop. Throughout these extra endeavors Jim continued to work at Sundstrand until he retired in July 1988. During his time with Sundstrand he enjoyed many opportunities to travel within the US and abroad for the company. Jim and Shirley were spending 3 months in Italy for Sundstrand when their last grandchild, Lindsi, was born. He is a member of St. Edward Catholic Church and during his lifetime he also enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with good friends and family. Jim and Shirley enjoyed traveling, watching their grandchildren grow and building and maintaining their dream home on the edge of Rockford.
Survivors include his son, Alan (Rose) Malavolti of Rockford; daughter, Barbara (Chris) Campbell of Winslow, IL; brother, Toby and brother-in-law, Willis Layman both of Rockford; 7 grandchildren, Dan Campbell of Lena, Matt (Caren) Campbell of Warren, Lindsi Campbell of Phoenix, AZ., Noah (Tommi) Malavolti of Wytheville, VA; Aaron Malavolti of Chicago, Rachel (Chris) Clausen of Galena and Gabe (Jordain) Malavolti of Chicago; several great grandchildren and numerous adopted grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley in 2011 and both sisters-in-law.
Funeral Mass Friday, November 11, 2016 at 10 am at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th St. with entombment to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation in the parish hall Friday from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family for a fund to be established. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com