James "Jim" Edward Diesing, 84, of Machesney Park, IL, and Sarasota, FL, passed away on March 2, 2023 surrounded by his daughters and granddaughter Paige Gwin. Jim was born in Chicago, IL on July 1, 1938 to Emil and Blanche (Grimes) Diesing. Jim was preceded in death by his loving family members, mother Blanche Diesing, father Emil Diesing, stepmother Kathryn Diesing, sisters Lois Elliot and Joyce Mueller, uncle Charlie Diesing, aunts Dorothy Reisel and Clara Goldenbogen, niece Diane Elliot, and son-in-law Sean (Karen) Gwin. Survived by his daughters Karen (Sean) Gwin, Debbi Hervai, Dawn (Thomas) Griffin-Schmidt; grandchildren Kyle Hervai, Roan and Quinn Griffin, and Paige Gwin; nieces and nephews Cheryl Jensen, Jeannine Daggett, Gary Jensen, Jim Jensen, Michelle Edlund, Rick Elliott and Larry Elliott; and dear cousins Arlene and Scott Orend.

Jim spent many fond years and love with partner Jeannie Dunkin and his former wife, mother of his children, Anita Diesing. He talked about both loves, his beautiful memories of them, his pride knowing them, and sharing stories of how they fulfilled his life.

Jim loved life and people, and he surrounded himself with dear friends that he was grateful to have. His closest friends shared his last days of life, Paul Garr, Tony Fiser, Pastor Wendell Maynard, and Brenda Cullen. They celebrated his friendship, and shared words of comfort and love with him.

His life was filled with many accomplishments, his service in the Army and leading roles in business and social clubs such as John Hancock, the Viking Club, and many more. However, his most cherished moments were time spent with people. He loved his daughters and grandchildren offering them advice and playing card games, he loved friends and belonging to clubs, he loved playing racquetball and most of all winning, he loved wheeling and dealing, he loved humor, and he wanted to make a difference. Even at the end of his life, he taught his daughters to live in the moment, forgive and let go, and to connect and love.

Jim found peace, comfort and commitment with God later in life thanks to his friend Pastor Wendall Maynard. He left us with the Lord as his daughters and granddaughter shed tears holding his hands. His tight grip through the end a cherished memory, and physically letting go a painful thing to do. He leaves us with infinite loving memories of a robust and well lived life shared together.

Join us for a Celebration of Jim's Life on Friday, March 10, 2023 with a service at his church Firstborn Ministries, 8213 N. Alpine Rd, Loves Park, IL from 4:00PM to 5:00PM and come share stories and a drink at Franchesco Benny's Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to his church Firstborn Ministries, Loves Park, IL. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com