James L. Beers went home to be with Jesus on July 13, 2011 at SwedishAmerican Hospital after a lengthy illness. Jim was born to Iolyn (Pearson) Beers and William F. Beers on March 23, 1954 in Beloit, WI. On July 2nd and July 5th 1994 Jim married his soulmate, Elizabeth Neufeld-Snyder. Jim was a graduate of North Boone High School and was active in theatre, jazz band and chorus. He was employed by Rockford Products for 12 years. Previously he served his country in the US Army for 14 years and was a special forces Green Beret. He achieved his Chaplaincy training in 2005 and completed 3 years of RHEMA Bible College in 2011. He volunteered for Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry for 4 years before his illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; children, Joshua (Sue) Beers and Mande Beers, the mother of his children, Sharon Seng; his mother, Iolyn Pearson Beers; sister, Julia (Chuck) Higgens; brother, Ed Beers; step daughters, Michelle (Trevor) Snyder-Free and Carolle (Robert) Hilton; 3 granddaughters, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his son Jason; brother Mark; father, William, and his grandparents. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wed. July 20, 2011 at 5 p.m. at Turning Point Church, 1625 Myott, Rockford, with Pastor Steve Lapp officiating. Jim was a down to earth guy, please dress casually. Lunch and conversation to follow. Memorials to Turning Point Church for community outreach or SwedishAmerican Hospital Vascular Surgery Department. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family, to share a memory or condolence, please visit www.graceFH.com .