James W. Erickson

Jim was born in Rockford, Illinois on May 13, 1939 to Lillian and Emil Erickson. He died on August 30, 2010 at SwedishAmerican Hospital. He graduated from East High School in 1957.nbsp;Jim married Janice Zanocco on November 21, 1959. He was employed by Smith Oil Company in operations management for many years.nbsp; He was a devout member of Holy Family Catholic Church. His conversion to Catholicism at age 20 strengthened his faith in God and sustained him throughout his life. He anticipated the day he could see the face of Christ.nbsp; Jim will always be remembered for his love of coaching and working with youth in sports for Holy Family Blue baseball and the Ken Abraham Steelers football teams. He was also very proud of his Swedish heritage and referred to everyone he loved as a big swede.nbsp;Jims positive outlook on life inspired everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and was concerned about others rather than himself. Jim loved life and above all, loved his family and his host of friends. He will be dearly missed. As he always said to his grandchildren, See you later alligator, after while crocodile! He is survived by his loving wife Janice, sons Michael (Cheryl), John, Jeffrey and Paul; grandchildren Kristen, Katie, Karolyn, Brittney and Christine; great-grandchildren Sofia and daughter-in-law Patty; brother Robert (Doris) Erickson; brother-in-law Robert (Ann) Zanocco; sister-in-law Carole (Dan) Burns; several nieces and nephews; and beloved grand-dog Scruffy. He is predeceased by parents, brother Harold (LaVonne) Erickson and sister Janice Weber. A special thanks to the staff at Swedish American Hospital, Dr. Joseph Ross and Dr.Robert Harner, Paula, Tammy and Fran. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established at a later date.

Mass of Resurrection will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, September 3, 2010 in Holy Family Catholic Church.nbsp; Visitation on Thursday, September 2, 2010nbsp;from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a prayer service at 7:00pmnbsp;at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel,nbsp;1860 S. Mulford Road.nbsp; Visitation will also be held on Friday from 12:00pm until time of service in the church.nbsp; Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.comnbsp;