James A. "Jim" Proper, Sr.

James A. “Jim” Proper, Sr., age 88, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.  He was born March 26, 1935 in Chillicothe, Ohio the son of Howard and Audrey (Needs) Proper.  He married Joan M. Bennett on Nov. 15, 1958 at the Chana United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on Oct. 6, 2020.   He served his country in the United States Navy.  Jim retired from Seal Master Bearings in Aurora, IL.  He was a member of the Lighthouse United Methodist Church.  He and his wife Joan raised their children in the Aurora, IL area.  In 1996 they moved to Lost Nation Lake near Dixon, IL.  He enjoyed time with his family, bowling, woodworking, fishing, and reading Western and Spy novels.  Jim was predeceased by his parents; his wife Joan; 2 brothers: George and Howard Proper; and 3 sisters: Sylvia Newton, Alice Frost, and Olive Wise.  He is survived by his 3 children: James Proper, Jr. of Galesburg; Janet (Shawn) Parish of Dixon; and John (Stacee) Proper of Rockford; brother Pete Proper of Chillicothe, Ohio; 7 grandchildren: Misty Proper, Jessica Groth, Kelly Proper, Samantha Parish, Connor Parish, Charlotte Proper, and Dylan Proper; 3 great grandchildren:  Emrik and Ethan Groth, and Gatlin Owens.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7^th Street in Oregon, IL.  Following visitation at 7:00 PM, Military Honors will be accorded by the Oregon  VFW Post 8739.  Private burial will take place at the Lighthouse Cemetery.  A memorial fund is established in Jim’s name and may be directed to his family.