James J Rosse

James “J” Rosse, 65, the man in the signature overalls, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on January 29, 1953 in Omaha, Nebraska to James N. and Janice Grimminger Rosse. On March 19, 1988, J married Nancy Suggs in Springfield, IL at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. They settled in the San Francisco Bay area until 1995 when they moved to Springfield. J is survived by his wife and 3 children: James “JP”, Susan, and Helena Rosse all of Springfield.

J attended UCLA in 1971 before serving four years with the US Coast Guard. After his discharge he sold boats and became a Volkswagen mechanic. J then attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He met his wife, Nancy at Grinnell in 1983 while doing dishes in a dormitory kitchen.

He was a computer network analyst working with several companies serving municipalities and educational networking before he retired in 2004. J learned to sail at a young age and enjoyed working on and driving motorcycles and Volkswagens. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed woodworking and he was an integral member of the Sangamon Table Tennis Club. He assisted with table tennis at the Senior Olympics for the last several years.

J had a strong faith that compelled him to be communion steward at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church for over 15 years and he taught high school Sunday School classes, a special privilege for J. His philosophy to help those he encountered to succeed in life was evident in his work in numerous other capacities for the church and his family. J volunteered for numerous school activities while his kids were in school. He also attended their performances and was behind the scenes, helping out at their events.

J was an avid reader, keenly interested in science, ecology, mechanics, and wordplay, a true homebody who could engage in intellectual conversations and then go outside and start your stalled car.

Mr. Rosse is also survived by his mother Janice Rosse of Irvine, California; his father-in-law Guerry (Jo) Suggs of Springfield; one brother, Stuart (Kathy Kraus) Rosse of Aguascalientes, Mexico; one sister Anne (Edward Lau) Rosse, of Irvine, California; brother-in-law, Gordon Suggs of Edgewood, KY; sister-in-law, Margaret (John) Herath, of Granger, IN and Julie (Mario) Costa of Riverton; nephews: Julian Rosse, Matthew and John Suggs, and Adam and Zach Herath; and nieces, Sasha (Francisco Franco) Rosse, Sarah Gokhale, and Natalie Suggs as well as several pets including his beloved Chihuahua, Spike. He was preceded in death by his father, James N. Rosse, and one sister Sue Rosse.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday November 17, 2018 at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Friday, November 16, 2018 at church and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church (501 S. Douglas, Springfield, IL 62704) or to the Springfield Public Schools Foundation and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.