James "Jim" Rock, 89 of Wood River, IL, went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2026, at Liberty Village of Maryville in Maryville, IL. James was born on July 9th, 1937, in Alton, IL, to parents Theodore and Jewell Rock.

James spent his younger years growing up in Alton with his brother Ted and cousins Bob and Dean. They certainly enjoyed their youth and had many memories to share later in life with family and friends.

James had a grandmother who lived in Wood River and she had a friend who lived down the street. This nice lady, Nellie, had a daughter named Rosalie Manarolla. They both decided that it would be a good idea for James and Rosalie to meet. They did so in front of grandma's house. That meeting resulted in a loving marriage that lasted for 68 years when Rosalie sadly passed away.

James began working at National Tea Company, a grocery store chain, as soon as he was old enough to work. He rose to store manager and left that business after about 15 years. Then after working a few various jobs including several years at General Cable in St. Louis, he was hired at Amoco Oil Company in Wood River, IL. as a refinery operator in 1976, and remained there for 19 years until his retirement at the end of 1995; retiring as Chief Operator.

James enjoyed several hobbies during his life including golf, fishing with his friend and coworker Joe, riding his motorcycle with Rosalie, woodworking and working on cars. He did enjoy traveling and early on took his family on many memorable vacations. James was a very caring family man who loved his family. He commented to his son recently, " It was fun while it lasted."

Preceding James in death are his parents, Theodore and Jewell Rock, and his beloved wife, Rosalie. Survivors include his son, Jim (Sharon) Rock and daughter, Cynthia Rock; brother Ted (Valerie) Rock; grandchildren Jason (Becca) Gamble; William (Margie) Gamble; Blaine Claudson; Charles "Chad" (Lynsi Brasken) Claudson, and James Steinlage; great grandchildren Brayden Gamble and Lincoln Gamble; nephews Vince Walsh-Rock, Theodore Micheal Rock, and Kevin Rockmann; as well as many more nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews

James did not want a funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorials to go to the Alzheimer's Association . Interment will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Estate alongside his wife.

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, IL, 62034.