James P. J. Balcom, 78, passed away unexpectantly Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the Rochelle Community Hospital in Rochelle, IL. James was born May 11, 1937 to Albert and Florence (Logan) Balcom in Rochelle. James then married Patricia Gay McCaslin on June 10, 1958 in DeKalb, IL. Patricia preceded him in death on June 23, 2013. He is also predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert "Butch" Balcom. Prior to retiring, James worked as a heavy equipment operator for Local 150.

James is survived by one son, James (Deborah) Balcom II of Coal City, IL; five daughters: Carol (Terry) Derry of Jacksboro, TN, Pamela (John) Wallis of Rochelle, IL, Christina (Dale) Schumacher of Iowa, Gay (Dave) Huber of Rochelle, IL and Joy (John) Zaehringer of Cary, IL; 12 grandchildren: Kim Derry, Nick Derry, Charity (Juan Ibarra) Nason, Shana (Dustin) Bell, Patrick (April) Schumacher, Melissa Schumacher, Jamie Balcom, Richard (Terri) Balcom, Jessica Bennett, Brittany (Chris Losoya) Bennett, Tiffany (Alec Hardcastle) Bennett, Johnny Zaehringer; 20 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren; two sisters: Henrietta Shields and Diana Nelson and two sisters-in-law: Judith Dickinson of Rochelle and Barb (Jerry) Hanson of Wisconsin.

There will be a memorial graveside service at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating. Follow the service there will be a gathering (food and soft drinks served) at 3:00 p.m. at Abrahams Bar & Grille, 1127 N 7th St, Rochelle, IL, (815) 562-5668. Everyone is welcome. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation to Serenity Hospice & Home, 1658 S. Illinois Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-2499 be made in his name. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the on line guest book.