- Date Of Birth: August 12, 1927
- Date Of Death: September 23, 2004
- State: Illinois
James H. Secker Sr, 77, of Freeport, died peacefully on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at Provena St. Joseph Nursing Center.
Born August 12, 1927 in Freeport, he was the son of Joseph J. and Helen F. (Snook) Secker. He married Marilyn Konefes in 1951. She preceded him in death in 1996.
He attended the Freeport public schools graduating from high school in 1946. He joined the army in August to help with the occupation of Japan. He was there from 1946 through 1947.
Shortly after being discharged from the army, he attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Education. He taught general shop metals from 1952-1975. He also worked his summer vacations as a blacksmith helper for the city of Chicago department of streets and sanitation bureau of equipment services.
In later years, he taught welding in the continuing education department at Highland Community College. He also worked summers for the Board of Education, painting classrooms.
In his second career, he was an operator for the Freeport Water and Sewer Commission.
He enjoyed doing leather working, wood carving and wood burning. He made a number of things for his children, friends, and relatives.
He had a heart of GOLD.
He is survived by one son, Peter (Mary Bushelle) Secker of McHenry; five daughters, Jo Ellen (Zachary) Chattler of Reisterstown, Maryland, Marna (David) Sletten of Rockford, Elizabeth “Betty” (Mike) Sopcic of Freeport, Paula (Jim) DeMatteis of Cumming, Iowa, and Phyllis (Russ) Slifer of Boise, Idaho; daughter-in-law, Holly (Scott) Secker of Freeport; 7 grandsons, Erik (Jenny) Secker, Ben (Melissa) Secker, Jonathan, Daniel & Jordan Chattler, and Dean Sopcic; 2 granddaughters, Martha Secker and Paula Larson; 2 step-granddaughters, Eron and Whitney DeMatteis; 1 sister, Suellen Steele of Freeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 1 son, James H. Secker Jr. in 1999; sister, Doris; 2 brothers, Jack and Robert.
