James G. Rowton

Jim was born on August 30, 1924 in Hickoria, AR, the son of John Larn Rowton and Dora C. Small. Jim married Senthie Louventia Moore on August 9, 1960 and she preceded him on September 8, 2009. Jim owned South Gate Auto Sales in Rockford and loved being around cars all his life; he loved fishing and squirrel hunting. Jim was a former member of First Pentecostal Evangelical Church and founding member and deacon of First General Baptist Church in Rockford. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Jim is survived by his children: Johnny Rowton, Ronnie (Selma) Rowton and Joyce (Mike) Rowton-Wayman; step children: William Verdier and James Verdier; grandchildren: Lance, Devonna, Ronnie Jr, Carol, Melody, Melissa, Tracie, Chairity, Frank, Shelly, Steve, Eric, Tanya and David; numerous great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, step-daughter Helen Verdier-Holloway; sister Edna.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be 2:00 pm Thursday April 6, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home in Machesney Park with visitation from 1:00 pm until time of service. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

.