James M Girard

JAMES M. GIRARD, 75 ROCKFORD - James M. Girard, 75, Rockford, died Tuesday, October 29, 2013, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born April 13, 1938, in Fort Sheridan, IL, son of Michael and Agnes (Schmidt) Girard. Graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1956, and received a bachelor's degree from Marquette University. Married Lois A. Gartner in Dubuque, IA on February 27, 1960. He retired after many years working as a civil engineer. He was a member of the Regina Coeli Priory. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the professional certified civil engineering organization. Jim had a terrific sense of humor. He enjoyed woodworking and working in his yard, but his family was always the most important to him. LOVE YOU MORE, DAD! Survivors include his children, Michael (Gail) Girard, Steven (Colleen) Girard, Janet (Todd) Wood, Elizabeth (Dave) Phillips, Jonathan (Vikky) Girard; grandchildren, James, Mary, Christopher, Christina, Benjamin, Robert (Aly), Nicholas, Michael, Allison, Emily, Parker and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Isabelle and Michael; sisters, Patricia (Ronald) Stahl, Anne (Richard) Murphy and Michalene (John) Straetz; Predeceased by his wife on June 21, 2007; parents; and sister, Betty Vance. A Rosary Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2013, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., preceded by a visitation from 9 a.m. until time of the service. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Regina Coeli Priory.