Harry Bryan James, Jr.

December 17, 1926 - February 18, 2022

Harry Bryan James of Rockford was released from his earthly tent to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Feb. 18th, 2022. He was 95 years young. Born in Chicago on Dec. 17th, 1926 to Harry Bryan Sr. and Bessie Lee Roberson the family then moved to Wheaton, Il. where he graduated from Wheaton High School in 1944. After graduation he worked with his father in their painting and decorating business. He had a beautiful bass voice and loved to sing. He performed in a men's quartet and often went to sing at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. He enlisted in the Army but a shattered ankle sustained in training put him in an office job. He was proud of being able to finish his service this way because the officers considered him the best typist they had. Upon discharge, he returned to Wheaton and went back to work with his Dad. The family were members of the First Baptist Church in Wheaton. While Harry was away, the Miller family from Lansing, Michigan moved to town. They began attending First Baptist. Harry's father had seen the daughter and told Harry he needed to meet her. He did meet her. Harry and Marilyn Marie Miller were married on June 18th, 1947. During his work years he was in various sales positions. He enjoyed connecting with people. He had a bright and sunny disposition and quick wit. He loved to laugh and tell jokes. To the end he found ways to make the people who were caring for him laugh. But his real focus was making sure that he shared his faith and his concern about whether people had a relationship with Jesus. After retirement he answered an ad for Wheaton College to fill an opening in the painting department. He spent the most fulfilling years of this work life serving there. He loved talking to and praying with students and faculty as he had opportunity. Harry had a second marriage to Mary Gustavson of Glen Ellyn. They were members of the First Assembly of God Church in Wheaton and Calvary Church in Naperville. After retiring from this job they moved to Rockford to be near family. He and his wife, Mary, became members of First Evangelical Free church where they made many new friends. He is survived by children Stephen Bryan James, Randi Kolinski, Janis Susan James, Robin (Kevin) Seuring, Tina Trumbower and Marilyn Sue James. Also survived by stepsons Charles 'Chip' Gustavson and Richard 'Rick' (Jean) Gustavson. Harry had nine grandchildren. Jennifer (Larry) Tepe of Rockford, Chris (Tonya) Baker of W. Virginia, Tina (Rhett) Leap of N. Carolina, Laurie (Cory) Gouliard of Bloomington, Il., Erik Hellman of Wheaton, Rick Hellman of West Chicago, Michael (Kirshna) Seuring of Rockford and Ryan and Brandon Kujawski of Wheaton. He also had 16 great-grandchildren. He had four nieces and nephews who lived on the East Coast but whom he saw when they came to visit Illinois. Kathy (Miller) Lounsbury, Carol (Miller) Christiana, Bob and Dan Miller fondly remember Harry as a 'happy-go-lucky guy who liked to whistle and was so good at it!' Preceded in death by his parents, beloved sister, Virginia L. James and stepdaughter Karen (Carl) Lyman. He had a special place in his heart for long-time friend, Ron Wick, with whom he shared many happy and laughter-filled conversations. He cared deeply about the work of the Rockford Rescue Mission. The family thanks OSF Home Health and Hospice for their service and support through his last months. Private interment at Memorial Park. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com. *Due to unforeseen circumstances, the service for Harry has been cancelled.