James Henry Ferguson

Born: January 11, 1938; in Chicago, IL

Died: May 30, 2020; in Woodstock, IL

James Henry Ferguson "Jim", cherished father, grandfather, and friend, passed from this life on May 30, 2020, at his home in Woodstock, IL after a bout with leukemia. He was a beloved cornerstone of the family and will be deeply missed.

Born on January 11, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to Burton and Margaret Mauer Ferguson, Jim graduated from Taft High School in Chicago in 1956 and from Drury College in Springfield, MO, in 1960. He taught German, philosophy, and history at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, IL from 1969 to 1994, and even after retirement he gladly gave impromptu German lessons. He was an active member of the German Polyglot Club in Chicago for many years and helped found the German Culture Club of Chicago. He also volunteered with McHenry County Pads in support of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Jim took great pride in his students and colleagues and made friends wherever he went. He loved nothing more than an epic, authentic conversation. An avid musician, he delighted friends and family with Bach and Beethoven on the piano and electronic pipe organ. He was also a talented photographer, diesel engine enthusiast, and train historian and modeler. Ever the practical joker and storyteller, he missed no opportunity to enjoy his kids and grandkids on annual camping trips and other family gatherings.

He is survived by his daughters, Lora (Richard) Nitzsche of Oak Park, IL and Krista Ferguson of Tucson, AZ; their mother, Sandra Ferguson of Crystal Lake, IL; his grandchildren, Rachel Nitzsche, Conlan Nitzsche, and Ethan Nitzsche; his sister, Nancy Robinson, and his nephew, Eric (Jennifer) Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at the Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL, at a later date to be announced. Burial will be private at the Restland Cemetery in Mendota, IL.

In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Jim's connection to his community, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Woodstock Food Pantry, 1033 Lake Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, (815) 337-0375.

Du magst in diesem Leben nicht mehr bei uns sein, aber Du wirst immer in unseren Herzen bleiben.

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Published by Northwest Herald on Jun. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ferguson

Sponsored by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.

3 Entries

Howard McInerney

September 3, 2020

I miss the music, we live directly next to his organ room and miss his nightly music.
He was a good neighbor and some one that left there mark. He would show us pictures he had taken of the Bigboy steam engine that he went and seen.
Or watching him play musical trucks to make sure they all got driven.
The world lost a good person and we hope he has found peace. Good bye Jim.

Chris Durnell

June 11, 2020

I was just notified by a friend of Jim's passing. He was my German teacher for four years at high school, and thus responsible for giving me the ability to attend university in Germany during my junior year abroad and experience life in a foreign country. If you wanted to learn, Jim was a great teacher who could impart fountains of knowledge. After I graduated college and returned to McHenry County, he was kind enough to take me along to his German language toastmasters. I remember our conversations in his car during those trips to Chicago fondly. He asked me to call him Jim after I kept calling him Mr. Ferguson as I did in high school. So I did. The world needs more people with Jim's patience, intelligence, and good will. He will be missed.
Chris

Betty Boehmke

June 10, 2020

Dear Sandy,
I was so sorry to read about Jim's passing. I saw him at church and we usually spoke about you, he kept me up to date. I know you were still close and will miss him.
Betty Boehmke

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