James Lamar Chears 47, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017 after a short illness at Rockford Memorial Hospital, James was born March 7, 1970 in Rockford to Billy and Janice Chears. James served in the United States Army and was employed, through Furst Staffing, by Trilogy Warehouse Partnership, Corp. James is survived by five children, James and Phillip Chears, both of Janesville, Wi; Christopher, Calvin and Makiya Chears of Rockford. Sisters, Yvette Miller, of Rockford, Latissa Spears and Danelle Glover, both of Garland, TX; Deetreca (Keith) Pullen, Sabrina (Devin) Bell, Machesia Chears and brother, Effrance (Betty) Chears all of Rockford; father, Billy (Margaret) Chears, mother, Janice (Arthur) Glover, Garland, TX; grandmother, June V. Griffin, of Rockford; special friend, Phillip Hughes and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.