James Edward Onley, 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 27, 2025, in Madison, WI. He was born on October 22, 1939, son to Katherine (Hertzner) and Truman Onley. James graduated high school and was able to walk down to receive his diploma recently. He married Cynthia Butt on February 10, 1984, in Bryan, Texas. They were together for 41 beautiful years. James was a roofer with Elmore Roofing, worked at Consolidated Freightways at their Lasalle, Peru and Elgin locations and then retired from the Elgin location. He was a volunteer firefighter for North Park and New Milford fire departments for many years.  He served proudly in the United States Navy towards the end of the Korean War during US peace time. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Rockford and was a member of the American Legion, Lt. Robert C. A. Carlson Post 1207 in Rockford and Vets Roll.
His interests included being a volunteer fireman, spoiling his pet rabbit, Bubbles, and socializing with friends. He especially loved his coffee time with his friends. James had a special love for the Highlight Hidden Pictures Magazine and watching television.
He is loved and will be missed by his wife, Cindy; daughters, Lori (Terry) Price and Teresa McCormick; son,  Kevin (Jennifer) Onley; grandchildren, Terry Scott Price, Jordan (David) Bell, Matthew Legge, Madison (Aaron Woods) Onley, and Miranda McCormick; great -grandchildren, TJ and Lainey Price, Makenna Price, Braxton Price, Gracelyn Bell and Drake Bell; and several nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry; sister, Betsy; daughter, Cheryl Legge; great grandson, Braden James Price; and two nephews, Carl and Chuck.
A visitation will be from 9 until 11 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 6286 Linden Rd., Rockford, IL 61109. Burial and military honors at 2 p.m. at Highland Garden of Memories Cemetery, Rt 76., Belvidere, IL.