Robert James "Jim" Cross

Robert James “Jim” Cross, 69, of Colona passed away Monday, August 21, 2017, at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo. Reverend Melva England will officiate. Private inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, August 25 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be left to the Robert James Cross Memorial Fund.

Jim was born on August 20, 1948, the son of Tony J. and Helen (Rafferty) Cross, in Albany, Georgia. He graduated from Moline High School and attended Black Hawk College. Jim married Kathy L. Johnson on June 28, 1969, in Geneseo, IL. He worked in industrial sales throughout his life and was a co-founder of JC Cross Co. in Davenport, IA. Jim was a sports fanatic, especially for the Geneseo football and girls’ softball teams. He loved to follow his grandchildren’s sporting events closely. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. Jim was known for his huge heart and love for all that he met. He would give and do anything for anyone. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity and love for people. Jim and his wife Kathy were both members of the Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Kathy; and daughters, Heather (Willie) High, Monticello, IL, and Megan Cross, Champaign, IL. His grandchildren are Jameel, Mason, and Maia High, and Gia and Kinley Cross. Three very special people, whom he helped raise and considered his children, are Gordon Cox, Thailand, George Cox, Burnsville, NC, and Gwen (Kevin) Kaszynski, Woodstock, IL, along with their families. Jim was proud of and cherished all FIVE of his children. His siblings are sisters, Regina (Dan) Fraser, Apache Junction, AZ, Marge (Chris) Wagner, Roselle, IL and brother, Gerald Cross, Moline.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Helen, and his mother-in-law, Gladys Johnson.

 Service Information