James Edward Smith

MACHESNEY PARK - James "Jim" E. Smith, 80, of Machesney Park, IL passed away Thursday December 8, 2022 after a year-long illness with diabetes.

Jim was born in Rockford, IL on May 10, 1942 to Jess E. and Anna T. Smith (Orlikowski). Attended St. Thomas Catholic High School, Rockford, IL. After high school, Jim married Marianna Talken (Taos, MO ). Together they had five wonderful children. As time went on, they moved in separate directions but cared and loved their children.

Jim was a very skilled tradesman. He was a foreman in the Millwright Union and was also a Master Carpenter- capable of crafting most anything. During his career, he worked on many large-scale projects, notably the building of the Belvidere Chrysler Plant, the Byron Nuclear plant and OSF Hospital projects. Early in his career he worked with his father Jess installing windows, doors and siding in Kansas City, MO and Rockford, IL. As his skills grew, he continued in this line of work and started his own company - Diebold, installing these products with his two brothers. He continued to work for himself and the Millwright Union until his retirement.

Early in his career he obtained a pilot's license at the Kansas City Missouri Municipal Airport and worked for Westinghouse. He flew to various job sites around the states to perform repairs on equipment. In the early 80's he purchased Rain Soft Water Softeners in Loves Park and was owner/operator successfully for many years before selling his business.

Jim's personal interests: he was an avid student pilot in his early years. He enjoyed playing golf, wood working, loved watching the Chicago Bears and his pets. He enjoyed boating and often had the fastest boat on the river for many years, as each of his friends tried to go faster and faster each year. As age caught up to him, speed boats turned into pontoon boats and more leisurely boating took place. He built his own house in the late 70's on the river and enjoyed his home and working in his garage and yard, visiting with friends, family and neighbors for the last 40+ years.

In the early 90's Jim met his loving partner Cary Lilja, they spent the last 30 years enjoying their life together along with her extended family until her passing recently.

With his many skills, he enjoyed helping others with their projects, lending a helping hand and would often share his opinion with you whether solicited or not 😊 Jim was not ready to leave us and had so much more he wanted to do, but his body was simply worn out and God had other plans for him. He wanted everyone to know he loved his family and will miss them dearly, along with his friends, neighbors and longtime childhood friend, Jerry Story. He simply wished he had more time to spend with everyone.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Jess and Anna; and his loving partner, Cary Lilja. He is survived by sister, Patricia (James) Allen of Melbourne, FL; brothers, Jesse Smith of Machesney Park, IL and Fred (Lou) Smith of Machesney Park, IL; children, Natalie (Gary) Folk of Dakota, IL, Bryan (Christine) Smith of Rockford, IL, Bradley Smith of Temecula, CA, Teresa (TC) Groeling of Rockford, IL and Brent (Jennifer) Smith of Rockford, IL; along with Cary's family: daughters, Robin Lilja of Oregon, WI, Jana (John) Short of Eugene, OR and Krista (Edward) Gellis of El Paso, TX; son, Bjorn (Molly) Lilja of Pecatonica, IL; along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held for both Jim and Cary on Monday December 19, 2022 from 2-5 PM at the Loves Park VFW, 2018 Windsor Rd. Loves Park, IL, 61111. Everyone is encouraged to attend and tell stories of your favorite couple!