James B Sears Sr.

James B. Sears Sr., 83, of Silvis, passed away, Monday, April 5, 2021, at Javon Bea Hospital Riverside, Rockford, IL.

Cremation rites will be accorded.  Memorials may be made to his family for a bench to be placed on Ben Butterworth Bike Path.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline is assisting the family.

Jim was born on July 7, 1937, in Hill City, KS, the son of Lester and Fern (Reed) Sears.  He married Marlene Wheeler in Babcock, IL.  He worked at Henry Engineering in Moline.  He then went on to work for John Deere Foundry, East Moline for 30 years as a core maker.  Jim was an avid cyclist; in 1994 he was acknowledged by the QC Bicycle Club for riding over 12,000 miles in 1 year.  He enjoyed gardening especially proud of his hostas and tomatoes, landscaping, fishing in the canal, and participating in Enduro motorcycle races.

The family wishes to thank Prophetstown and Hooppole Volunteer EMS, as well as Advent Christian Church Prophetstown and the many family and friends who prayed for Jim and his family.

Survivors include his children, Cindy (Brett) Brill and James (Donna) Sears Jr., grandchildren, Adam (Megan) Stemper, Landon (Alecia) Sears, Jordan Sears, Leah Sears, Nick (Nikki) Armstrong, Kory Armstrong, William (Sherry) Jansen, Katie Jansen, Daniel (Jen) Jansen; great grandchildren, Serenity Stemper, Preston Reed, Emily Jansen, Alexia Jansen, Mason Rockow, Eli Jansen, and Hunter Jansen; sister, Sharon Clodfelter; brother, Jerry “Pete” (Jan) Sears; nieces, Shayleen Crausby, and Karla Clodfelter; nephews, Todd Sears, and Troy Sears; as well as his little buddy Ruger (dog).

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.