James "Jim" F. Cordray, 88, of Poplar Grove, IL died suddenly Friday morning, November 19, 2021 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Jim was born January 26, 1933 in Belvidere, IL the son of Francis D. and Mabel R. (Johanningsmeier) Cordray. Jim entered the United States Army in 1947, during his service Jim spent time in Alabama and in North Carolina. Upon returning home, Jim married the love of his life, Therese M. Gillett, on September 15, 1956 in Rockford, IL. Jim and his brother worked alongside their dad at the Belvidere Sawmill.After the business had a fire, they continued on as Cordray Brothers, which specializes in excavating. It was at Cordray Brothers that Jim was blessed to work alongside his sons, Pat and Fran. Jim was a member of St. James Catholic Church. He was a lifetime Member of Delavan Sportsmanship Club, American Legion, Moose Club, Bel Stone and the Boone County Sheriff's Patrol. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed shooting clay pigeons, and loved spending time working on his sawmill. Most importantly, Jim loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. Jim adored all of the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

Jim is loved and missed by his children, Patrick (Sandra) Cordray of Garden Prairie, Rose Ann White of Caledonia, Mary Therese (Bret) Fidder of Poplar Grove, Francis (Karrie) Cordray of Poplar Grove; grandchildren, Christina (Patrick) Gunn, Brian (Kristie) Fidder, Renee Cordray, Michael (Lindsay) Fidder, Mitchell Cordray, Rebecca (Jeremy) Perry; great grandchildren, Chase Fidder, Emslee Arwood, Anthony Karels, Lincoln, Elliott and Merrick Gunn as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Therese; parents, Francis and Mabel; son-in-law, Royal White; siblings, Ada Mae, Francis "Buck", Fern and Irene.

Jim's visitation will take place 12:00 p.m. till 1:15 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2021 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. The funeral service for Jim will take place at 1:30 following the visitation. Burial in Highland Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family to be established later. To light a candle or share a memory, please visitwww.AndersonFCS.com.