James "Jim" A. Sylvester Rockford, Illinois Obituary

James "Jim" A. Sylvester

James “Jim” Andrew Sylvester, 72, of Rockford peacefully passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 surrounded by his family after a very brief illness. Jim was born February 4, 1947, in Rock Island, IL, the son of John and Darlene. Jim graduated from Rock Island High School in 1965. He graduated from Augustana College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting where he was a member of the Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity. Jim moved to Rockford in 1969 and married Nancy Jochim on August 21, 1971. Jim worked in accounting for Coopers and Lybrand, Beloit Corporation, and Caron International, and in business development for RSM McGladrey, Inc. Jim worked as a real estate agent for Whitehead Realtors and in mortgage lending for First National Bank & Trust, Bank One, Todays Mortgage Source, Chase Bank, and Blackhawk State Bank. He opened his own mortgage loan company, First Mortgage Professionals, and opened two frozen custard stores, Jimmy’s Frozen Custard, in the Rockford area. His volunteer affiliations include Northern Illinois Score, Rockford Board of Realtors, Institute of Management Accountants, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Development Center, Seventh Street Redevelopment Association, Harlem School District, Rock River Homeowners Association, and Carpenters Place. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Marcy (Wayne) Sylvester Ceranek and Holly Sylvester; sisters, Linda Guile, Sally (Jerry) Caffery, Susie (Bob) Schuch, Peggy (Roy) Simpson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steven (Ann) Jochim, James (Joann) Jochim, Michael (Lynda) Jochim, Charlie (Lynn) Jochim, Marcia (Bill) Jochim-Martin, and many nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, John Beuster. Proceeded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Leonard and Marjorie Jochim; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonard “Skip” Jochim, Carol Jochim, Lawrence Guile, Judy Jochim, and Allen Rodriguez. Jim was a strong, caring man with a fabulous sense of humor and a deep love for his family. He had a true entrepreneur spirit and served as a mentor to many family and friends in the Rockford area. He had a passion for cars and his dog, Bentley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Rock Valley College Foundation, www.rockvalleycollege.edu/give, the Holly Sylvester Special Needs Scholarship. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 25, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 with a visitation to be held from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the funeral home and will continue on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com
February 4, 1947 - November 19, 201902/04/194711/19/2019
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James "Jim" A. Sylvester
James "Jim" A. Sylvester
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Michael Van Strien
September 2, 2021
Jim & Nancy were so friendly and loving. I’ve been trying to reach them but have had some health issues (Parkinson’s)! Nancy; 1. Best teacher I ever had, 2. Jim & Nancy were terrific in parenting a darling daughter who had a disability! God be with you Nancy, Michael Va... Continue Reading
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Elaine Sharpe
December 2, 2019
Nancy, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My prayers are with you and your family in the days and months ahead. Peace, Elaine Sharpe( former student and friend through Fr. Stephen Potter)
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Matt, Julia, Ava and Bobby
November 24, 2019
Garden of Memories

Garden of Memories was purchased for the family of James "Jim" A. Sylvester.

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Stan, Jenny, Andy, Jessica, Mallory & Lyra
November 24, 2019
Medium Dish Garden

Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of James "Jim" A. Sylvester.

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Kyle and Caitlin
November 23, 2019
Written in the Stars

Written in the Stars was purchased for the family of James "Jim" A. Sylvester.

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Love Kevin ,Jamie Folz, Danielle Folz, Brendan Gansman,
November 22, 2019
Small Garden Dish

Small Garden Dish was purchased for the family of James "Jim" A. Sylvester.

A tree was also planted in memory of James "Jim" A. Sylvester.
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Karen Hamann
November 21, 2019
Jim always knew how to add fun to life! He lived to the fullest with his passion for cars. On this day, he gave my daughter, Jessie, a forever memory by letting her have her first ever driving experience be in his luxury car! What a guy!!!! Jim, we will miss your mischi... Continue Reading
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Gene Guile
November 22, 2019
Jim was always doing something good for friends and family. He had a great sense of humor. All of our memories of him are pleasant encounters and we appreciated his loving spirit and candor!
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Sally Caffery
November 21, 2019
My heart is broken. The loss of my favorite (my only) brother is devastating. I'll miss he and Nancy's frequent shopping trips to the Quad Cities; enjoying dinner with family afterward; and he always made it his treat. Jim always brought his sisters a surprise of some... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for James "Jim" A. Sylvester.
A candle was posted for James "Jim" A. Sylvester.
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Ann Guiberson
November 21, 2019
Nancy, Marci, and Holly, Our hearts are broken for you. We are praying for you and know that God has Jim in his loving arms as He does all of you as well. We hope the love of God, your family and friends will sustain you now. Ron and Ann Guiberson
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Brittany Freiberg
November 21, 2019
There are no words to capture how deeply sorry I am for the loss of Jim. I am so very sorry. He, like the rest of your family, was so kind, and I know how much you all love him and vice versa. My prayers and heart have been with you since I received the news. Jim leaves ... Continue Reading
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