James Lavern

James Robert Lavern, 70, of Rockford passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born August 30, 1946, in Springfield, MO, the son of James and Marie (Cooling) Lavern.  Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during Vietnam.  Married Janis Ragan on March 15, 1969, in North Park Church of Christ.  Employed by Com Ed, retiring in 2002.  James was an avid fisherman, member of Flat Lander’s Fishing Club and Muskie, Inc., earning numerous Muskie awards.  Survivors include his wife, Jan; daughter, Wendy Williams; son, Jason Lavern; grandson, A.J. Brien; sisters, Barbara McMillian and Margaret (John) O’Neil; brothers, Jerry Dodson and Joe Lavern; several nieces and nephews; and goddaughter, Dawn Richardson.  Predeceased by his parents; and his mother and father-in-law, Winifred and Darwin Ragan.

Service at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Moffitt’s Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.