Rockford - James S. Shumate, 87, died Sunday, May 13, 2012. Born Dec. 5, 1924 in Rockford to John and Esther (Short) Shumate. He served as a Sergeant in the Marine Corp. James was a 1943 graduate of West High School, and worked as a security guard at Barber Coleman until retiring in 1988. He enjoyed going to Las Vegas. During his illness he was a real trooper, always positive, offering his best advice "take one day at a time". Special thanks to the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home.

Survivors include children, Dan Shumate, Az., John Shumate, Fl., Val (Brad) Whipkey, Machesney Park, Il. and Marilyn (Tim) Anderson, South Beloit, Il. and their mother Emma Kellett; nine grandchildren,14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by siblings, Joseph, Charles, John and William Shumate and Mary Jane Williams.

Services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road. Visitation from 10:00 until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. To express condolences or share a memory, visit honquestfh.com