James Jim "Jim" W. Pettigrew

James (Jim) W. Pettigrew passed away January 15, 2011 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born September 1, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, the youngest child of the late Kathryn and John Pettigrew. Jim attended Overbrook High School in Philadelphia and Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, NY. After graduation, Jim served for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force earning the rank of Staff Sgt. After serving in the military he returned to Pelham, NY where he married Cora Williams in 1972. The Pettigrew’s moved to Rockford, IL in 1979 and Jim was employed by Woodward Governor Company and later Seward Screw Products in Seward, IL and was recently retired. After 22 years of marriage he was blessed with a son, Tasso A. Pettigrew, who was the joy of his life. Jim was a loving, caring husband and father and a sensitive man who gave his support to every aspect of his son’s education, both in school and extracurricular activities. As a husband and father, he always tried to be the best he could be for his family and was always there for them. Some of his favorite hobbies were taking cruises, singing karaoke, going to the movies, and being informed about the political scene of this country and the world. There was very little that he could not discuss regarding current events. There probably aren’t many films that he had not seen or a cruise ship that he could not give you all of the info about. He also loved talking with people and telling them stories about his life experiences. Jim always helped people whenever he could, whether it was just listening to their problems, giving them a ride, or buying a bag of groceries if times were hard. Jim has left many friends and associates; he will be missed by those who knew him and by his family most of all. Survivors include his spouse Cora (Williams) Pettigrew, son, Tasso A. Pettigrew, sisters, Florence Sloan and Myrtle Pettigrew. Predeceased by grandmother Florence L. Floyd, sisters, Carrie Pettigrew and Lois Pettigrew, brother, Tasso Pettigrew. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday, January 28, 2011 at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. .. Fly away to the bright side of the moon and we'll meet one day on the other side.. “Dreamweaver”.