James Phillip Arco

ROCKFORD - James Phillip Arco, age 58, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Jim was born on October 31, 1966 in Rockford, Illinois, to Angelo and Catherine Arco. He grew up in Rockford attending Jefferson High School, graduating Class of 1984, where he played football and baseball. After graduation, he attended Northern Illinois University. In his early career, Jim owned his own business, Arco Pool and Spa, followed by APS Services. He raised Labrador Retrievers, operating as Loveland Labs for many years, finding good family homes for man's best friend.

Jim worked as a driver at UPS for 7 years but was known for wearing many hats. He held pride in being a self-made man; there was never a job he couldn't service or something he couldn't fix. Jim always knew how to light up a room, and his humor was truly contagious. He never saw the world with any limits but real expectations. He valued friendship deeply, surrounded himself with good company, and was a proud member of the SM&SF Club. A lifelong history buff, Jim enjoyed countless hobbies including arrowhead hunting, metal detecting, coin collecting, hunting, camping, fishing, boating, bowling, and biking trips on his Harley-Davidson. Jim's collections often received awards and recognition for "Best of Show." He took immense pride in organizing and cataloging his coin collection and Native American artifacts. Jim was also a big sports fan—whether playing, coaching, or watching. He was a lifelong supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Cubs and loved sharing the excitement of the game with his friends and family. He also was a devoted coach for Nelson Storm football and Eisenhower Middle School bowling. Jim always lived his life to the fullest and was deeply devoted to his three children. There was nothing more important to him than raising his three kids to be strong, independent, and well-equipped individuals.

Jim is survived by his children, Christopher Arco, Alec Arco, and Clara Arco; sister, Elaine Parry; and brother, Anthony Arco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo Arco and Catherine Arco, and his brother, Carl Arco.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3rd Ave., Rockford, with visitation from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm. Cremation rites accorded. Interment of cremains will be held Friday, October, 3 2025 at 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery, 8616 W State Rd., Winnebago, IL  at the Arco family plot in St. Michael's Section 2. Memorials to the Family.

Jim has made an everlasting impression on everyone's lives he was a part of and will be dearly missed. For a man so loved, he is gone from this Earth too soon. His family's only wish was that there was more time.

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