James C. Bowling Sr.

James C. Bowling Sr, 84, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Jim was born on October 9, 1927 in Hurst, IL, the son of Claude and Saidee (Entsminger) Bowling. He married Mary Jane Casteel in Hurst on August 12, 1950, she preceded him in death after 52 years of marriage. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a V5 Aviation Cadet. Jim was very active with numerous different organizations, he was a charter member of The Air Squadron of the Shriners, a 59 year master mason of the Blue Lodge, a member of the Mason’s Hurst Lodge 1004, and a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Freeport. He was a graduate of SIU Carbondale, and a member of Chi Delta Chi fraternity. Jim also loved to volunteer his time, volunteering at Swedish American Hospital from 1984-2004, spending over 30,000 hours helping those in need. He is survived by his family by choice; Tim and Sherry Page, and their children Tara and Eric Page, all of Pecatonica. He is preceded in death by his son, James Bowling Jr, and Baby Girl Bowling. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 26, 2011 at 6:00 p.m, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 7000 W. State St. Rockford, IL 61102. With a visitation from 5 p.m. until the time of services. Rev. Amy Poust of Pecatonica Methodist Church will conduct the services. www.mem.com