James McCandless

JAMES 'ART' MCCANDLESS, 96 ROCKFORD - Art McCandless, 96, of Rockford passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011. James Arthur was born Sept. 26, 1915, in Downing, Mo., the son of William R. and LuSina (Palmer) McCandless. He married Esther E. Selquist on Sept. 2, 1939, in Centerville, Iowa. Art served in the Army in Germany during World War II. In 1984 he retired from Barber Colman, where he had worked for 48 years. Art had a green thumb and maintained a large garden during his retirement, providing an abundant supply of fresh green beans for family and friends. He spent countless mornings walking on the downtown bike path along the Rock River and having breakfast at McDonalds with friends. Art was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church for more than 70 years. He was active in his church and community serving as an usher, working on "sausage days," and delivering "meals on wheels." Art lived in the Highland neighborhood for more than 50 years and was frequently seen mowing lawns or shoveling snow for his neighbors. Survivors include daughter Bonnie (Bill) Beyer of Belvidere; granddaughters, Carrie Beyer (Adam Zysk) of Chicago and Tracy Beyer of Rockford; sisters, J. Cleona Fox of Downers Grove and Beulah Forsell of Rockford; and honorary grandchildren, Darcy, Kimberly and Michael Beyer. Predeceased by his wife, Esther; parents; sisters, Nellie E. Stadel, Lula J. Woolsey, Nina M. Cline and Grace Miller; and brothers, Raymond and F. Cliff McCandless. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Alpine Fireside for the great care and kindness given to Art. Service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, with visitation from 1 p.m. to time of service. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Reception following at Tabor Lutheran Church, 2233 12th Ave., Rockford. For more information or to share memories or condolences online, visit sunsetfhmemgardens.com.