James "Jim" D. Saulsbury

James “Jim” D. Saulsbury, passed away peacefully August 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born April 4, 1933 in Glenwood, Missouri, one of 13 children to Ace and Bertha (Montgomery) Saulsbury. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 – 1956. On February 13, 1960, he married Eleanor Ywanauskas in Rockford, IL.

Jim enjoyed working with his hands – whether remodeling homes or tinkering on projects in his garage. He spent over 60 years as a skilled carpenter – a proud 65-year member of Carpenters Local 792. In his early years, Jim was a boating enthusiast who enjoyed waterskiing. In his later years, Jim looked forward to his and Eleanor’s annual trek to St. Pete Beach, FL, and countless afternoons of shuffleboard. He appreciated an exciting NASCAR race, watching John Wayne movies, and a good game of solitaire. However, what he cherished most of all was anything involving his grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor; his daughters Deborah Best, Pamela (Michael) Lunde, Susan (Keith) Maragi; his grandchildren Tessa, Shelby, Spencer, Katelyn, Cade (Fiancé – Kirsten), Stephen, and David; sister Rita (Billy) Brunk; in-laws Pat Ywanaukas, Mary Ywanaukas, Charles Ywanauskas, Fran (Kurt) Reinold; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, five brothers, six sisters, and a brother-in-law.

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Visitation will continue on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish a carpenter’s apprentice scholarship in Jim’s name at a later date. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com