James Sherman Beggin Sr.

James Sherman Beggin Sr., 77, of Freeport passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2012, at FHN Memorial Hospital from melanoma cancer. He was born on November 28, 1934, in Apple River, Illinois, son of Sherman and Josephine (Meyer) Beggin. He married Nancy Lee Steffen of Dubuque, IA on June 9, 1956. James attended Loras Academy and College graduating in 1956. He began a 37 year career in Credit Management with Micro Switch. He was the recipient of the Fellow and Associate Awards from the National Institute of Credit. In 1968 he earned the Graduate Award in Credit and Financial Management from Dartmouth College. From 1982 to 1986, he served on the board of directors of the Chicago-Credit Management Association, and in 1984 was honored as Credit Manager of the Year by the Rockford Chapter. In the 70'™s, he was twice elected to the Stephenson County Board, where he served for 7 years. Jim was involved in numerous volunteer activities. He was a strong supporter of FACC, including the PAD'™s homeless program. He worked 29 years for Contact Crisis line, serving on their board of directors, and as a line worker. In April 2012 Jim was presented with the Carol Woodworth Silent Hero Award for unwavering dedication and commitment to Contact of Northern Illinois. Other activities included the money management program through the Senior Resource Center, and driving for the American Cancer Society. He was treasurer of the Pheasant Run Condo Association. He was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where he served on the building and grounds committee and loved sitting in peaceful prayer in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Although Jim was involved in many volunteer programs, he will be missed most of all for the things done in '˜secret'™ not only for close friends and family, but also for many others in the community that needed help. He never sought, nor accepted any recognition for his generosity and countless acts of kindness. Jim'™s leisure activities included golf, home repair projects, and watching his beloved Green Bay Packers. He had a lifetime love of the automobile, and his latest car was a little Miata convertible sports car. (zoom, zoom!) He was pre-deceased by his parents Sherman and Josephine Beggin, and his brother John Patrick Beggin. He is survived by his wife Nancy and children: Michael, John (Kathleen), James Jr., Christine Ihde and Jennifer Pro and grandchildren Jared, Miranda , Maura, Marissa, Macguire Beggin, Elizabeth Ihde, Anthony and Alexandra Pro; brother Bob (Madonna), sister Mary Jo (David) Vosberg, sister in-law and brother in-law Jonneal and Bob Cahill , sister-in-law Karen Dahl and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be Monday May 21st at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Freeport with Msgr. William P. McDonnell officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday May 20th from 1 '" 4:00 p.m., with a Scripture Service starting at 1:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, as well as an hour before the service at the church. Visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for FACC, Contact Crisis Line and the Emergency Fund at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.