James E. "Jim" Ergle, 77, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away Thursday morning, December 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 5, 1947 in Sikeston, MO, the son of J.L. and Georgia B.(Reese) Ergle. Jim married his sweetheart, Mary Cabrera on August 3, 1973 in Wisconsin. He worked at Elco/ Textron for many years, retiring as the general manager of plating and heat treating, he continued working at Rockford Park District until his illness in September. Jim was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Machesney Park, where he was proudly baptized on November 21, 1982. Jim taught Sunday School and continued serving the Church in many capacities throughout the years. He enjoyed fishing. Jim was known as a jokester. He enjoyed fast cars and going to the Rockford Speedway. Most of all, he adored his family. He was the glue of the family, organized many family reunions and spoke at funerals of many family members and friends. Jim was known as "Sweet Jim and "The Peacemaker." He was loved and will be deeply missed.
Jim is survived his loving wife, Mary; children, Margaret (Mickey) Ergle, Jason Ergle, Nicole (Josh) Hannum, JR Ergle, Cheryl Ergle and James Ergle, Jr.; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Myrtle Bauer, Linda Hill, Debra Forsell, Barbara Hill, Bill Ergle and Mike Ergle; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Ergle, siblings, Diane, Carol, Betty and Walter "Tommy".
The family would like to extend a special thank you to First Baptist Church of Machesney Park and Unity Hospice and Rockford Park District for their loving and compassionate care of Jim.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, December 30, 2024 at the funeral home. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
