James S. Brophy

JAMES S. BROPHY, 92 ROCKFORD - James S. Brophy, 92, of Rockford died Monday, March 7, 2011, in his home. The second of six children, Jim was born Oct. 20, 1918, at home in Rockford to James P. and Lillian (Kramer) Brophy. He graduated from St. Peter's Grade School and St. Thomas High School. Jim married Lois Jean King on Aug. 17, 1946, in Rockford; they were married for 53 years when Lois died Jan. 11, 2000. He was an active Catholic and a lifetime parishioner of St. Peter Cathedral, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Serra Club, serving as president for several years. During World War II, Jim was a radio control tower operator for the 345th Fighter Squadron, the "Devil Hawks," in North Africa and Italy, and later enjoyed going to the unit's reunions. Jim's working life after the war began at J.L. Clark in South Rockford and ended at Manley Sand Co., a division of Martin-Marietta Corp., in Rockton. He was especially proud of his role in creating benefits packages and of his company's part in expanding Warren Dunes State Park before ecology became "popular." Jim was an avid golfer, bowled in the K.C. league for more than 30 years, and played a great deal of bridge with his wife, Lois through St. Peter's. Survived by sons, Patrick (Jo Ann Heise), Timothy (Christine Gabel) and Daniel of Rockford; daughter, Ann (Jim Brown) of Wauwatosa, Wis., and their daughters, Emily and Hannah; daughter, Colleen (Jack Karstens) of Overland Park, Kan., and their sons, Nathan (Pegah) and Trevor and daughter, Nicki Joy; sisters-in-law, June Brophy, JoAnn Brophy and Jeannie Brophy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by daughter Mary in 2004; grandson, Matthew Karstens in 1994; brothers, Donald, Gerald and Richard; and sisters, Geraldine Brophy and Jeanette Bolger. The family extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Jesse Cariaga, Jim's compassionate caregiver for the last three years. The family would also like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, in St. Peters Cathedral, Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, with rosary recited at 7p.m. Visitation also from 9 a.m. Saturday, to time of service in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Peter's School.