James "Charley" Ingersoll

James "Charley" Ingersoll obituary, Rockford, IL

James "Charley" Ingersoll

James Ingersoll Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 22, 2025.
James "Charley" Ingersoll, 83, of Rockford, IL, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, surrounded by family (and probably wishing someone would turn up the Conway Twitty music.)

Born on December 31, 1941, in Majestic, Kentucky (a real place, we promise), to Levi and Lori Ingersoll, Charley made the bold move North-probably chasing jobs, adventure, or just running from Kentucky humidity. He wore many hats over the years: welder, handyman, neighborly tool-lender, and part-time philosopher of the front porch. He even worked in the shipyards of Ohio, where we assume he welded things and told at least 1,000 jokes that weren't safe for Sunday School.

Eventually, he settled in Rockford and worked at Bergstrom, Inc. for 22 years, which is impressive considering he claimed he retired twice-once from work and once from dancing, though the second one didn't stick.

Charley never met a stranger-just future borrowers of his socket wrench. If you needed a tool, a part, a laugh, or an unsolicited fishing tip, he had you covered. He loved fishing, boating, music, travel and reminding anyone who'd listen that "the girls used to line up to dance with me." (Eyewitness reports remain unconfirmed, but his confidence was contagious.)

He was a proud member of the Eagles Club, the 3L Club, and the SMSF Club-mostly for the camaraderie and possibly the meals. He could shoot a mean game of pool and always had a Conway Twitty, country or bluegrass song in his heart (and usually on the radio).

Charley is survived by his wife, Julie Strominger Ingersoll; his son Michael (Missy) Ingersoll; daughter Tammy (Jennifer) Murphy; grandson Vinnie; and great-grandsons Ryan and Braden. He is also survived by two sisters: Danford (Elliot) Gauze and Betty Sue Harshbarger, as well as many stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandson Asa, all of whom he welcomed with open arms and his signature sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Betty Ann Ingersoll; his granddaughter Della Murphy; four brothers, five sisters, and an untold number of fishing poles lost to the depths.

The world's lost one more character, and heaven just gained a man who'll probably be rewiring the pearly gates and making friends in the first five minutes.

Raise a toast, crank up the bluegrass, and tell a story about Charley. He wouldn't want it any other way.

A Celebration of life will be planned for a future date.

Honoring a Life Full of Music, Laughter, Fishing, and Friendship

Join us as we gather to celebrate Charley's life, sharing stories, raising a glass, and remembering the joy he brought to everyone he met with food, music and fellowship.

?? Friday, June 20th, 2025 5 PM until close ?? At the Lodge at SM&SF Park - 7625 Kishwaukee Rd, Stillman Valley, IL 61084

A Ride to Remember

Charley had a way of making life feel like an adventure. Even in his final days, he took his loved ones on one last trip-not in a boat, but in a vision so vivid it felt real.

Surrounded by friends and family in the hospital, Charley transported everyone onto an imaginary pontoon boat. In his mind, we were all sitting at the dock, talking, laughing, and soaking in the simple joys of life together. And somehow, in that moment, everyone in the room felt it, as if they were truly there with him. That was Charley.

He loved listening to music and dancing when he could. We'll share some songs and remember him fondly,

We invite family, friends, and all those touched by Charley's presence to gather, tell their favorite fishing tales, share a laugh, and honor his life the way he would have wanted-surrounded by love and friendship.

?? Let's cast a line in his honor and remember a life well lived.

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June 7, 2025

barbara ingersoll posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2025

Heather Breed posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2025

Kathy posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

barbara ingersoll

June 7, 2025

I'm sorry for your loss!!!

Heather Breed

June 3, 2025

Julie ,
I remember the day you met him and everyday thereafter he was "your Charley". I´m so sincerely sorry for your loss my dear friend . Words cannot mend the loss of, "your Charley".

Kathy

June 3, 2025

I will always remember Uncle "My"Charley, especially his loving jokes and how very happy he made my Favorite Aunt Julie . We had a special individual relationship, just as he made each person feel like they really mattered individually in his life. We love you still and are grateful that someday we will definitely meet again. Keep the pups in heaven happy eating treats my dear one.

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Sign James Ingersoll's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 7, 2025

barbara ingersoll posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2025

Heather Breed posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2025

Kathy posted to the memorial.