Colbert, James

James Colbert died Jan. 6, 2011, at Loyalton in Rockford, Ill. There will not be a funeral service since Jim willed his body to science.

 Jim was born Feb. 14, 1920, to James R. and Ura (Reichard) Colbert in Waverly, Ill. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Patton, in 1937. They were married for 71 years before her death in 2009. Jim served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. His business career involved Illinois Power Co., IBM and Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Co., where he worked for many years before retiring as vice president of administration and relocating to Naples, Fla.

While in Cedar Rapids and Rock Island, Jim was very active civically, serving as president of Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the Rock Island Industrial Park, the Arsenal Country Club, St. Anthony's Continuing Nursing Center, plus membership on a variety of other boards. He was appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois to serve on the Illinois Industrial Development Authority and the Western Illinois Telecommunications Development Group.

Jim is survived by three children, James Barry (Nancy) of Virginia, John William (Barbara) of Virginia and Cathy Lane Goad (Jody) of Poplar Grove, Ill.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four siblings.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the staff of Loyalton of Rockford Assisted Living facility and a special thanks to Heartland Hospice who gave extra care and support during Jim's last few months. We cannot say enough about how much they are appreciated.

 In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jim's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association,  

 Local arrangements by Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit