10-02-2021 3:01pm

James Stamm loved the machine building business he started

Michael McGinnis Editor

James R. Stamm, 81, of Rockton, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 after a long illness. Jim was born to Raymond and Marjory Stamm on August 25, 1940. He was raised above the three-generation Stamm Family Grocery Store in McConnell, IL. His dad offered to give him the store for $1.00. Jim declined and decided to pursue a career in engineering instead. He attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and was a mechanical and sales engineer all his life. He was known to be a very creative engineer and an outstanding salesman.

Jim met the love of his life, Sandy Baker, and they were married for 60 years. They had two children and enjoyed traveling and camping with them. He loved golf, traveling, cruising abroad, his Florida condo and live theater in New York. He loved spending time with his family more than anything and watching his granddaughter in as many plays as possible. He was an active member of Rockton United Methodist Church for 50 years.

Jim started his machine building business, Custom Feeder Company, in 1987. The business grew from one employee to 20 employees and continues to thrive to this day. Jim semi-retired 10 years ago, and continued to work twice a week to spend time with his employees and to be around the machinery that he loved. He was blessed to have many long-term employees with 25 years or more of service. Many current and former employees have said that Jim was the best boss they'd ever had. His son, Mike, still runs the company and his grandson, Matt, is a design engineer there.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Mike (Debbie); daughter, Traci; grandchildren, Amanda and Matt; as well as two brothers, Bill (Barb) and Todd (Melanie); and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents; parents; aunts; uncles and their spouses.

Many thanks to Wesley Willows and Mercyhealth Hospice for their loving devotion to Jim and the entire family.

Memorial service will be at 11:00am with a reception immediately following on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073. Pastor Carolyn Lukasick of Rockton United Methodist Church will officiate. Masks are required and due to Covid, there will be no visitation. No flowers. Please give any monetary gifts to either Rockton United Methodist Church or Mercyhealth Hospice. Checks can be made to the family with your preference marked. Love to all of you from Jim and family.