James Milton English

In loving memory of James Milton English

James Milton English also known as “Jim” or “Whitey” by his family and friends passed away peacefully in his sleep April 8, 2024, at Alden Strathmoor Rehab Center where he was recovering from a heart attack.  James was born in Benton, Kentucky on September 27, 1932, to Jesse & Besse (Hendrickson) English. James had six siblings: Frances (Virgil) Fields, Betty (Guy) Rudolph, Rebecca (Jim) Minton, Peggy (Gailon) Walker, Jerry (Patricia) English. On December 1^st, 1956, Jim married Helen Ann Uhrich in Las Vegas, NV and they were happily married for 67 years. Jim is a US Army veteran and served in the Korean War as an ammunition specialist. When he returned from Korea, he worked for the Chrysler plant in California and moved to Cherry Valley, IL in 1972, where he raised his family and lived out the rest of his days.   He retired from Chrysler at the age of 55.  

He will always be remembered for his long walks and his love for a lively game of poker and Kentucky rummy.   Jim is survived by his wife, Helen whom he had four children with: Bruce (dec’d) & (Nola) English, Ralph English, Wanda Benedetto (dec’d), and Craig English. Jim is also survived by his five grandchildren: Amanda (Erik) Carlson, Andrea (Sam) Hiser, Angelina Benedetto, Joseph Benedetto (dec’d), Jacob Benedetto, and his 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday April 15, 2024 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.   Burial will conclude in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford IL .

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