James William Cozad Jr.

James W. Cozad, Jr., 61, of Colona, Illinois, passed away August 12, 2010 at Genesis East as the result of an accident. Memorial services will be held at 10 am Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday at the mortuary. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Soldier’s Angels. Online condolences may be made to www.rungemortuary.com.

Jim was born January 11, 1949 in Whitefish, Montana. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1967. On November 15, 1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Bates, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Davenport. They were the best of friends as husband and wife. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era from 1968-76.

He was employed as an electrician with Caterpillar and later Alcoa. Jim enjoyed camping, NASCAR, teasing his mom about the Cubs, and riding his bike. He loved his family and watching his grandchildren. The three of them always kept him smiling and laughing.

Jim could not sit still. He was always working on something around the house, in the yard, or in the garage. He was always trying to keep up with Carolyn, always wanting to change something. Thanks, HON, I love you for that! You will always be deeply missed by our family and friends. You are and will always be our HERO!

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; children and spouses James W. Cozad, III (Melissa) of Layton Utah and Melissa Martinez (Joe) of Montgomery, Illinois; grandchildren Lindsey Cozad, Nathan, and Benjamin Martinez; his parents, James W. Cozad, Sr. and Ethel (Patsch) Cozad and sister Ann (Stan) Simpson, all of Davenport, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.