JAMES W. ARMSTRONG

JAMES WALTER ARMSTRONG BYRON - James Walter Armstrong died peacefully at home Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, surrounded by his family. Born Dec. 15, 1924, in Philadelphia, son of Walter D. and Violette (Johnson) Armstrong.

Graduated from Central High, South Bend, Ind., and served with the World War II Air Corps in Italy and Trinidad. Graduated from DePauw University, where he met Ann Weingartner. Jim and Ann married on June 17, 1950, in Second Congregational UCC. At the church, Jim served on many boards, taught Sunday school and was church moderator.

Jim taught social studies at Roosevelt Jr. High, then was principal of an eight-grade school in Missouri. Attended graduate school at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Employed 32 years at Rockford Products in accounting and purchasing. Ann and Jim lived in Rockford more than 20 years before building their own home in rural Byron.

Jim earned his Eagle Scout as a boy in South Bend and went on to be scoutmaster of Troop 140 in Byron, where he received the Silver Beaver Award.

Ann and Jim were blessed with four children, Kathleen Ann (the Rev. A. Michael) Brown of Vancouver, Wash., Carol Jean (Dr. Lawrence) Schmeltzer of Wichita Falls, Texas, James Bruce (Christie Hucker) Armstrong of Byron and John David "Jack" (Tracey Gustafson) Armstrong II of Rockford. Those honored to call Jim "Gramps" include Rhad and Markus Brown, Erica Lyon, Andrew and Dana Schmeltzer, James Benjamin, Haley, Lauren and Simon Armstrong. Great-granddaughters are twins, Emma and Teadora Brown. Survived also by brother, John David Armstrong; and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by wife of 54 years; and brother, Daniel.

Memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in Second Congregational Church, Church Street and Park Avenue, conducted by the Revs. A. Michael Brown and Dr. J. Michael Solberg. No visitation. A reception will follow in the church dining room. Jim's cremation ashes will be mixed with Ann's and spread in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Memorial gifts to Ogle County Hospice.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2010

03/21/2023 EJS