"As my older brother, I looked up to Jim. Not only did I look up to him as he was so much taller than me, I respected how he had gone into the Navy (always thought that was really cool when I told my friends he was in a Navy sub). He fought a brave battle and did it "his" way which no one could argue since it was his decision.Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Miss you. Love, Sharon"
In loving memory of
James William Orr
March 15, 1947 - February 12, 2014
James William Orr, 66, recently of Byron, IL, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Lackawanna, NY, on March 15, 1947 to James (Sr) and Hattie (Fischer) Orr. After graduation from Elmhurst High School, he served four years in the Navy on the USS Sea Lion. While attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, he met Gynel Zumbahlen and they were married on June 12, 1971.
Jim worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Kysor of Byron for 3 years and as a Senior Project Engineer at WA Whitney in Rockford for 26 years, where he earned two technology patents. He then became an Engineering Technology Teacher at North Boone, Winnebago and Jefferson High Schools. At Rock Valley College, he was an adjunct teacher for adult technology courses and enrichment classes for high school students. He also worked as a Rapid Prototyping Specialist at EIGERlab in Rockford and as a Research Associate at Fermi lab in Botavia, IL.
He was a volunteer ambulance driver for the city of Byron for 4 years and a trustee for the Byron Fire Protection District for 16 years. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was an active member of St Mary's Church in Byron.
Jim is survived by his wife, Gynel; son, Jame Orr (fiancé Christine Ryan) of Rockford, IL and daughter Karyn (Jeff) Engel of Columbus, WI; grandchildren, Alexxis Orr-Hodge, Brady Engel, Maicy Engel, Molly Engel, and soon to be Michael Ryan and Audrey Ryan; parents, James & Hattie Orr of Willoughby, OH; brother, Scott (Kari) Orr of Wheaton, IL; sisters, Sharon (Dan) Minjares of Painesville, OH and Janet Orr of Miami Beach, FL; nieces, Tatum Orr, Nicole Minjares and Christina Minjares; nephews, Aidan Orr and Connor Orr.
Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Church, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, WI on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 11:00am with Pastor Charlie Brandt and Pastor Steve Vera officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of services. Private burial held at Sun Prairie Memory Garden Cemetery in Sun Prairie, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in memory of James Orr to further the education of his grandchildren. Contributions can be made or forwarded to Byron Bank, 200 N Walnut St in Byron, IL, 815-234-2561.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Jim's care team at Agrace Hospice and the doctors at UW-Hospital in Madison.
Jim always loved spending time with his grandchildren. They were his greatest joy and truly were his best medicine.
Tributes
"Heaven's children have a great playmate now. Jim was mine. Riding bikes all day long during the summer; building snow forts and telling Mom we could still feel our toes even though they were numb; weeding the iris's and climbing the back yard tree while Mom shelled peas for dinner. Just a few of many fond memories that make me smile every day. Thanks Jim. Love and miss you. "
"We are sorry for your loss, family of James. We only knew him briefly as a neighbor at Villas but found him to be a gentle man. Our sympathy to you, Glynel, and hope our neighborhood will bring comfort to you. "
"I worked with Jim at North Boone High School, and admired his dedication and professionalism. I enjoyed working with him, and wish you all much comfort during this difficult time."
"Jim was my coworker at North Boone High School. His passion for his subject matter and the success of his students will long be remembered by all who knew him. May your family find peace and comfort in the days ahead. "
"i had the pleasure to meet Jim and Gynel when they moved to Meadow Crossing in Sun Prairie. They have become great friends and neighbors. It is obvious that Jim was a great husband, father, and friend. He will be missed greatly.
My sympathies to Gynell and family"
"James and Gynel, you always cared for our daughterNicole, as if she were your own. We thank God for all of our friends. Especially you and your loving family. God is our refuge and strength, Jesus our Peace and the Holy Spirit our Great Comforter. We are weeping with you and resting in His Loving arms. Love"
"So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great man and teacher.."
"I volunteered as a manufac cturing liason with Jim and his classes at Jefferson High School. He cared deeply about helping young people have a meaningful career in manufacturing. "
"You have my sympathy for your loss. I lost my husband, George, the day after Christmas, 2012 and I miss him terribly. It will be a hard time for you, but eventually the pain will lessen. (resident of Villas of Meadow Crossing)"
"Jim did a lot of things in his life time. He touched a lot of lives and made everlasting memories. I know he would like us to remember all the good memories, as he was a man of action and results. Gynel, you and Jim made a great pair for putting your caring into actions. You and Jim have made so many people know you care about thier paths in life and Jim will be remember for that."
"James Orr family - We had the oppoetunity to meet James when Karyn and Jeff were united in marriage. May God be with you during this difficult time. treasure the memories, your hearts will be empty, but contunie to share stories of his life.
Iowa Family"
"I love and miss you brother! I am so glad we had time together during your battle and you fought it with great dignity and courage. I know you will be there for all of us to provide safety and guidance for the rest of our lives. There won't be a day that I don't think about you being my big brother. Always loving you, your little brother named Scooter."
"Dear Gynel, Karyn, Jame, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of you beloved husband and father. May God be with you during these times. We will cherish our good times in Byron watching our children grow up together. God bless you."
"Gynel, Jame, and Karyn,
I am very sorry to hear of Jim's passing and I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. It was an honor to serve with him for many years at the Byron Fire District. He cared a lot about the department and was a good steward of the tax payers' money. May peace be with all of you in this difficult time. "
"Gynel & family, We are so sad to hear of Jim's passing. We have such beautiful memories of him with the fire dept.always being a voice of compassion and caring for all. Just watching your family grow and feeling the love for one another was a very special gift from God. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and give you peace. Love you all and peace. "
"I love you Dad!"