James Merritt Emery

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for James Merritt Emery, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      James was born on August 5, 1943 at Walker Hospital in Walker, Minnesota. He was the son of Lawrence and Madge Emery. Raised in Whipholt, Minnesota, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, James was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, James was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if James was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, James also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. James was raised with eleven siblings with his being the youngest. He had five older brothers, Bob, Lamont, Vincent, Jack, Warren and six older sisters, Francis, Bernice, Coral, Iris, Marlene and Virginia. James was constantly involved in activities with his family. James and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for James. He was united in marriage to Delores "DeDe" Arline Dale on December 29, 1968. He was totally committed to DeDe and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if James naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although James disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      James was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, James was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, James was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. James was blessed with two daughters, Dorothy and Denise. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Christopher, Richard, Michael, Amber, Kimberley and Amanda and one great-grandchild, Jeremy.

      If you gave James a deadline, he would meet it. At work, James was always on task. Without hesitation, James could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was a cement mason. He was employed for several years for Lamont Emery & Sons Construction. During that time, James excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. James was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, James had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      James was a Navy Veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He served on the USS Boxer from March 1965 until March 1967. James saw action during the Vietnam War. He received several awards including a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal.

      James liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced James's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, James preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading, the outdoors and spending time with his family including his cherished pet cats. James was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, James often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football and Golf.

      James had Simba, Nosey, Twinke and Shadow all domestic cats, who was his best friends for many years. His family was rounded out by his taking care of the feral cats in his neighborhood. James was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      James passed away on March 9, 2020 at in his home in Rockford, Illinois after fighting a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by daughters, Dorothy Pedersen, Denise (Richard) Gladue; grandchildren, Christopher (Alicia Flowers) Pedersen, Richard Gladue Jr, Michael Pedersen, Amber (Seth) Miner, Kimberley Gladue, Amanda Gladue; great-grandchildson, Jeremy Pedersen; siblings, Iris Bullion, Virginia Emery, Warren Emery. Services were held at Sunset Funeral Home in Machesney Park. James was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, Illinois.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. James was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. James was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. James Emery was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with James. He will be missed.

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James Merritt Emery, 76, of Rockford passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving daughters after a brave battle against cancer on Monday, March 9, 2020. Born August 5, 1943 in Walker, MN. Son of Lawrence and Madge (Curtis) Emery. Veteran of the United States Navy aboard the USS Boxer having served during the Vietnam War. United in marriage to Delores "DeDe" Arline Dale on December 29, 1968 in Rockford. She predeceased him on December 5, 2017. Worked as a Cement Mason for Lamont Emery & Sons Construction for several years. James found enjoyment in reading, the outdoors, watching football and golf. Above all any time spent with his family including his cherished pet cats was time well spent.

Survived by his daughters, Dorothy Pedersen, Denise (Richard) Gladue; grandchildren, Christopher (Alicia Flowers) Pedersen, Richard Gladue Jr, Michael Pedersen, Amber (Seth) Miner, Kimberley Gladue, Amanda Gladue; great-grandchildson, Jeremy Pedersen; siblings, Iris Bullion, Virginia Emery, Warren Emery. Predeceased by his parents; spouse; siblings, Bob, Lamont, Vincent, Jack, Francis, Bernice, Coral and Marlene. Family wishes to thank Northern Illinois Hospice, Donna Jacobson and Rainy Rodriguez for their loving care.

Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation at 1 p.m. until time of service. Burial following Military Honors in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Northern Illinois Hospice or Noah's Arc. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com