James Gavin Cross, passed away peacefully March 2, 2006 in his home at the age of 53. Jim was the son of Gavin and Betty Jo (Slaymaker) Cross. He was born in Dixon, Illinois on April 18, 1952. He married Charlene (Kries) Cross on December 28, 1991 at St. James Church in Belvidere. Jim spent his younger years growing up in Polo, Illinois. He worked the farm with his family and participated in many high school activities. Jim graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree in Education. He took extra graduate course work at University of Madison. He became a teacher in 1973. He taught one year in at Sterling, Illinois and then came to Belvidere for the next 31 years. He taught his first year at the Junior High and the transferred to the high school. He taught General Science and Biology. The last several years he spent teaching his favorite subject, Chemistry. Jim was an avid sports fan. His love for the Cubs, Bears and college basketball kept him going to many sporting events. He had a passion for music and passed that on to his girls. Jim spent many an afternoon running around Belvidere. He ran the Chicago Marathon. He and his friends enjoyed card playing, golf, concerts, and a leisurely evening at the "club". Jim leaves to cherish many loving memories his wife, Charlene; two daughters, Jessica and Sara Cross; his mother, Betty Jo Cross; sister, Jane (Jeff) Hunn, walking companion "Lucky"; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces nephews and numerous friends. Predeceased by his father, Gavin Edward Cross and uncle, Robert Slaymaker.

Memorials can be given in care of the family to establish a scholarship fund for a future math or science teacher or to be donated to the Relay for Life Cancer Relay in Jim's memory.