James Henry Clemmons passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.  He was born on March 5, 1930, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Charles Henry and Eva Lucille (Moore) Clemmons.  James grew up in Savannah, Georgia, with his brother, Charles.  The Clemmons boys were raised by their mother as their father had passed away when James was just eleven months old.

James served his country in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He was stationed at a radar installation where he first learned about electronics.  He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, in 1965.

James and Barbara Ann Johnson were married in 1959.  They have four children, James (wife Ruby), Robert (wife Lori), Jon (wife Lynn), and Beth, and five grandchildren, Alex, Jesse, Tevy, Isabella and Annika.  They have one niece, Charlean Clemons (who is saving money by only using one "m" in her last name).  The family lived in multiple cities in northern Illinois, finally settling in Freeport in 1976.

James worked at several different companies during his career as an electrical engineer developing expertise in many disciplines.  He recognized, early, the value of computers and worked to develop a computer to design electrical transformers to specification, a design for which he was awarded a patent.  During development of his invention, he went to a seminar where he was introduced to a new kind of integrated circuit called a "microprocessor".  Although he recognized that this new technology would likely render his invention obsolete before completed, he did not despair.  Instead, he learned about the new technology and became an innovator using the new technology.  He used that same new technology to develop his transformer design system using software.  At one point, he started up a company of his own, SPECSystems, Inc.  With SPECSystems, he developed innovative products for testing electric and electronic components.  He completed his career at Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford, Il.  At Sundstrand, he was a well-respected expert, particularly with magnetics.  During his time at Sundstrand, he was awarded five patents for his innovative ideas.  His expertise was so well-regarded that Sundstrand contracted him to write a book to instruct other engineers on the process of designing transformers.  He was often sought out as a mentor for new engineers and whole-heartedly embraced the opportunities.  He finally retired at the age of 82.  Retirement merely meant that he did not travel out of the home to work, however, as he continued working on his own projects at home even through his failing health.  The day before he died, he told a hospice worker who was assisting him that he wanted to go work on his project.

James was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.  He was a well-loved Sunday School teacher.  There were many times after Christmas Eve services that the family would have yet another opportunity to learn patience while waiting for Dad to finish talking with his former students who had come home for the holidays.  He instilled a love of God in his family through teaching but especially by example.  He lived a life of service to others.  The last project he was working on was a system of controlled lighting which can be used to help people suffering from depression.

James was an avid baseball fan his entire life.  When he was a boy in Savannah, he managed his own baseball team.  He played baseball in high school and in the Air Force where he was known as the "hustling catcher".  He later was manager for his sons' little league teams.  One of his sons was a White Sox fan and one was a Cubs fan.  He rooted for both teams, or so we thought.  It was much later in life that he finally revealed that he didn't like the Cubs, which was a bit of a shock.  His explanation was that he didn't want to show partiality while his kids were still young.

James leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren and niece to cherish his memory.  He was predeceased by his parents and brother.

No immediate services are planned.  A celebration of life will be scheduled at some future time.

James led a fascinating life which he thoroughly enjoyed.  Even though he had numerous struggles in his life, he never pitied himself, choosing to persevere and overcome obstacles.  He found direction, avidly pursued it, and was very successful.  He was an especially devoted family man and often stated that he couldn't ask for a better family. He was well-respected by friends, co-workers and others.  After living (in his own words) a great and long life, Dad's body may have gone "tisssshhhh" but his spirit lives on in our hearts.