James J. Holich

James J. Holich passed away at his home in Belvidere, IL, of a massive heart attack at 8:30pm on Saturday, September 24, 2022.  His wife, Nancy Helfers Holich was by his side.  Jim was 79 years old.  He was born on September 25, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Dorothy (McClurg) Holich.

Jim was the oldest of eight children, brothers, John Jr., Frank, Raymond, Carl, Bill, Tom; and sister, Margareta.  When Jim was six years old he started to have a daily paper route.  At the age of seven, his dad bought him a corner newsstand so Jim could sell newspapers to passersby.  He did this to support himself to go to Catholic school.  Jim continued to work helping his brothers until they were old enough so they could have a Catholic education.  During the 1960's he went to DePaul University in Chicago where he earned a degree in English Literature and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  Jim was a tool and die maker by trade in Chicago and some of his work in on the moon.  Jim worked in maintenance for the Chicago School Board, Suter's Foods of Sycamore, IL, Warner Lambert of Rockford, IL and General Electric (motor development).  He retired from GE in 2009.  He traveled the world for several years as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. He was a good team player.  His hobbies were making steam engines in his metal shop at home, photography and a HAM radio operator.  Jim was a very interesting person; he loved good music, and was a loving, kind family man and a man of faith.  

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Linda Holich Golden and husband, Jack Golden, of Chicago and Mary Holich Fleetwood Vogenthaler and husband, Tom Vogenthaler, of Chicago; stepson, Ted Griffis and wife, Tamera Nevels Griffis, of Garden Prairie, IL; grandchildren, Stephanie Olney of Chicago, Jennifer Golden O'Connor (husband, Phil) of Lake in the Hills, IL, Melissa Golden McDonnell (husband, Rob) of Downers Grove, IL, Megan Fleetwood Schelkopf (husband, Dr. Chris Schelkopf) of Sycamore, IL, and David Fleetwood (wife, Kacie Vernon Fleetwood) of South Beloit, IL; step-grandchildren, Grant Griffis, Tallia Griffis, Will Griffis, Henrik Griffis, AnnieLynn Griffis, Trent Griffis, Nathan Griffis, Greyson Griffis, Levi Griffis all of Garden Prairie, IL; and 17 great-grandchildren.  

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy Holich; two brothers, John, Jr. and Carl Holich; and one step-son, Keith Griffis. 

Visitation will be from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, September 29, 2022 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Funeral Service will be Friday, September 30, 2022 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 324 University Drive, Rockford, IL 61108.  Burial in Shattucks Grove Cemetery, Belvidere, IL.

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