James Garcia 65, journeyed to heaven on November 6, 2015 after complications following surgery at Silvis' Genesis Illini Hospital. Visitation will be shared Tuesday November 10th from 1 to 7 pm at the Van Hoe's Funeral Home in East Moline, Illinois A mass to celebrate Jim's life will be at 11 am Wednesday November 11th at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church on Route 67 in Milan, IL. Jim was born in Moline, Illinois to James Sr. and Alice Garcia. In 1969, Jim married Berta (Dubuisson). During their life they became parents of Christina (Raul) Rubio, James III both of Rock Island and Brandi (Kevin) Williams, Bettendorf. They are also blessed with grandsons, Anthony Flores, Kole and Kasey Williams and great granddaughter, Harper Flores. His family also includes, sisters, Mary Garcia Staton and Stephany (Carlos) Olvera and many nieces and nephews. After graduating from UTHS, Jim worked for 30 years for Oscar Mayer. He retired in 2000 and began driving for Enterprise Rent a Car that same year. Jim was an avid conservationist. He still held Board of Directors positions for both the Rock Island Conservation Club and Quad City Conservation Alliance. He was a past President of the QCCA. He served as a Master Instructor for both the Illinois and Iowa Hunter Safety Programs for over 20 years. Jim assisted many Boy Scouts in attaining their Archery Merit Badge. Jim was an active sponsor and committee member of the Mississippi Valley Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was a member of the Midwest & National Muzzleloaders Rifle Association and National Rifle Association. Learning about old guns and shooting them was a favorite pastime. He joined the United Bowhunters of Illinois and Davenport Valley Archery. He shot traditional bows and arrows making many of the arrows himself. In his lifetime, Jim shared many campfires being a pre-1840 re-enactor. Jim (Taco) participated at many rendezvous, portraying a Mountain Man or Longhunter. During these outings he grew many friendships. Sometimes they were even called Jerks. These Jerks became very endeared friends. Others were his ONW brothers who were held deeply in his heart. He tried to cross paths with as many friends as possible every year. Jim enjoyed any outdoor times especially hunting, fishing and camping. Growing up together with his father and brother Paul, he hunted and fished many a weekend. He was sharing some of his inherited fishing tricks with his grandsons. They will really miss their "papa" time. He was preceded in death by his father, brother, and his Godson (nephew) Danny. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to family for descendants education, to the Rock Island Conservation Club, the QCCA or any conservation group.

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