James "Jim" R. Seigfreid

James R. (Jim) Seigfreid passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Canton, Illinois, on December 12, 1934, the son of Charles and Jessie Seigfreid. He spent most of his youth in Indianapolis, Indiana. His family later returned to Canton where he graduated from Canton High School in 1952. He attended college at the University of Illinois and received a degree in architecture in 1957. He started working in an architect’s office while still a junior at Canton High School and later continued pursuing that career in an architectural firm in Rockford. He received his license to practice architecture in 1957. After graduation from college, he was drafted into the military in 1958, for two years. He was later recalled into the military in 1961, for another year. In 1964, he, along with another architect, Wayne W. Johnson, opened their own architectural practice, “Seigfreid and Johnson”. He retired in 2005. His daughter and son-in-law continued the architectural firm as SE/Coady Architects. The firm has celebrated 60 years in business. Shortly after opening his office, he married Mary M. Jackson on November 7, 1964. 

He is survived by his wife, Mary, their two children, Diane (Mark) Hall and Connie (David) Coady, three grandchildren, Megan Coady, Ryan Coady and Mark Hall Jr. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dale and David. He accomplished many things to be proud of during his lifetime, including co-developer and architect for CherryVale Mall and co-developer and architect for Magic Waters. He was past president of the NIC American Institute of Architects and served on several non-profit boards. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church with a visitation prior to the service starting at 9 a.m.

Memorials to Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.