James Maney

JAMES 'JAY' MANEY, 88 ROCKFORD - James "Jay" Maney, 88, of Rockford passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at Rockford Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born July 9, 1924, in Fond du Lac, Wis., the son of Nicholas and Eleanore Maney. Jay graduated from Rockford East High School in 1942, where he attained the rank of first lieutenant in the Army ROTC. He served in the Army, 2nd Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, under General George Patton in Germany during World War II from 1943 until 1946. Jay married Marjorie Smevog in 1948. After the war, Jay worked for his father at Johnson-Maney Appliance Co., (now Guler Appliance) on Seventh Street for 16 years, before becoming the appliance manager for C. V. Weise Co. He then became manager of the electronics department for the Bergner stores, until his retirement in 1989. Jay was an active member of the Kiwanis Club for many years. He was a top Brat Days ticket seller and enjoyed working with their Special Olympics every year. He was a blood donor at the Rock River Valley Blood Center for more than 25 years, receiving a plaque for his total blood donation of 14 gallons. Jay was a member of the Sons of Norway for more than 30 years, serving as president of the building society after the log lodge was demolished for the airport expansion. Jay's Army reunions were a highlight of his retirement years, traveling to many cities to meet with a close group of Army buddies who all served in the 9th Armored Division. He was a devoted sports fan, taking his family to Milwaukee Braves games in the 1950s, Cubs and Bears games, and Rockford Lightening home games and to their away games in the Quad Cities. Jay was an avid reader and was a devoted dog owner, taking his Irish Setter and two Labradors to obedience school and for long walks each day. He also loved his three Siamese cats. Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marjorie; daughter, Janet Maney of Rockford and Fort Myers, Fla.; son, David (Marchia) Maney of Freeport; grandsons, Christian (Lana) Maney of Chicago and Evan Maney of Freeport; great-granddaughter, Alexandra of Chicago; brother, John Maney of Rockford; sister, Eleanore Riley of North Carolina; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Harris Maney of Florida. Service at noon Thursday, Nov. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St., with visitation from 11 to 11:45 a.m.; the Rev. Jay P. Quinn will officiate. Private family burial at a later date. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a memorial fund in Jay's name to the Golden K Kiwanis. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.