James "Jim" Anderson

James (Jim) B. Anderson, 68, of Rockford, passed away on April 17, 2017, in his home. Jim was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin on September 22, 1948. He married Sandra Earlywine on September 24, 1966; they celebrated 50 years of marriage and were each others’ best friend. He was a Vietnam veteran; he enlisted in the U.S. Army July 31, 1968 and was honorably discharged July 30, 1970. His Vietnam service extended from January 2, 1969 until January 1, 1970. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

He enjoyed traveling and exploring with his wife and always had a passion for cars. His pride was refurbishing antique cars, working on the mechanics of them, and having the opportunity to show cars nationwide. Some of his work was rewarded by winning a Grand National. His heart was full of love and pride for his family. He was a fierce and loyal friend and touched the lives of many. He was also a member of LLL Society, VFW, Blackhawk Athletic Club, and the Harmony Singing Society.

Jim’s legacy lives on through his wife, Sandra Anderson; daughters, Dawn (Ed) DeuVall and Karen (Ian) Gregory; grandchildren, Eddie (Siera) DeuVall, James (Jenna) DeuVall, and Stephanie Redieske; great-grandchildren, Jessa, E.J. and Carter; brother, Terry (Jenny) Williams; mother-in-law, Ruth Earlywine; and many family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Bolan; brother, David Williams; grandparents, Edgar and Violet Anderson; father-in-law, Elvis Earlywine; brothers-in-laws, Wayne Earlywine, Ray Harris, Bob Arner and Rob Almond. 

The family of James Anderson wishes to thank Harlem Roscoe Fire Department, Winnebago County Deputy Coroner, Al Winstead, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department: Machesney Park division, the LLL Society and special friends, Ron and Vicki Bilodeau.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, Illinois 61111 with Pastor Scott Herbert of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.

 Service Information