James W. Gift, 86, of Freeport, died Sunday, May 04, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Nursing Center.
Born May 09, 1927 in Rock Grove he was the son of Glen and Gladys (Chapin) Gift. He married Mabel Webster October 05, 1950 and she preceded him in death.
James was a World War II and Korean War Navy Veteran. He made the Navy his career for 20 years. He also worked for Kelly Springfield in Freeport and Industrial jobs in Rockford.
His organization memberships included the VFW and the Orangeville Masonic Lodge.
Surviving are his siblings, Marilyn Wirtjes and Ruth (Bill) Scheider both of Freeport, Kathy Bardell of Monroe, Wisconsin, Lois (Victor) Garman of Polo, Donald (Linda ) Gift of Forreston, and Jerry (Kaye) Gift of Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sisters, Dorothy and Phyllis; one brother, George; and two infant brothers.
Services will begin 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Walker Mortuary. First there will be a Masonic service conducted by the Orangeville Masonic Lodge, followed by a funeral service conducted by Reverend Don Jamerson of First Free Methodist Church and concluding with Navy Military Honors.
Visitation will be Thursday 10 a.m. until time of service at Walker Mortuary.
Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
A memorial has been established in his name.