James "Jim" H. McCammond

James Harry McCammond, 87, of Rockford, IL passed away Monday, September 29, 2025, peacefully in his sleep, with those at his side who knew him best at home after a long illness. Jim was born in Rockford, IL on April 14, 1938 to Harry James and Lois Euberta (Knott) McCammond and was a graduate from Stillman Valley High School, the Class of 1956. Jim spent many years working for Illinois Water Treatment and while that was his occupation, buying and restoring homes is what he truly loved.

Jim grew up in Davis Junction, spending his days watching the trains go by, a love that he carried his whole life. Rare was it that a train went by and he didn’t know something about it. The railroad was in his blood, driven by generations of the McCammond and Knott families. Jim collected books, model trains, whatever he could find to feed his love of the rail.

When he wasn’t busy working, Jim spent his free time teaching his grandchildren how to tear something apart, just to make it better. A local celebrity in his own neighborhood, everyone would wave when they saw his blue truck drive by. Honk twice he would say, so they know you saw them. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his children, Jan (Scott Little) McCammond, James (Jennifer) McCammond, and Andrea (Eddie) Barrett. Eight grandchildren Cory Fallis, Jeremy (Jacqueline) Fallis, Gabrielle Hankins, and Brooke (Gunnar Peterson) McCammond, Gerald, Sam, Isabella, and Henry Moulders. 6 great grandchildren, sister Trudy, sisters in law Fern, and Sandy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Predeceased by his parents, brothers Jerry, and Harley, and partner of 25+ years Patricia Johnson.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their attentive compassion and care.

There will be a private family service.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.