James Mead

James L. Mead, age 26 of Amboy, lost his courageous battle with deadly cancer on March 13, 2006 at 1:15 AM. That tells little about the fight - if ever an example was set for not giving up or losing faith it had to be James. He battled on for many reasons - his love of life, his endless quest for knowledge, his great delight in fun and foolishness and for the love of his friends. But most of all he had a plan - to marry the love of his life, Elsa (Martinez). They were married May 14, 2005 at St. Patrick Church in Dixon. This must be said, if ever an example was set for love, loyalty and devotion she set the bar too high to ever be beaten. James loved her and she loved him and that always seemed to be enough for them. James graduated from Amboy High School in 1997 and then served in the Illinois National Guard. He then attended SIU in Carbondale where he was a Cum Laude graduate in 2002. He then worked for the Del Monte Corporation in Mendota as a Harvest Operations Boss for 2 years. He loved both the work and the people. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy and the Knights of Columbus. The many acts of kindness that were shown will never be forgotten. It would be impossible to thank everyone who helped along the way, but a special thanks to the Rush Hospital in Chicago. The compassion shown to James and his family goes beyond expectations. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents. He leaves to mourn him his wife Elsa, his parents Jack and Loreen (Leffelman) Mead; his brother Mike Mead and sister Melissa (Lane) Eisenberg; beloved nephews and nieces Dylan and Alex Eisenberg, Brianna Greer and Ava Martinez all of Amboy. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends whom he loved like brothers and sisters and his much loved dog Drake. Finally, goodbye James - you may be gone from this earth but never from our hearts. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday March 16, 2006 at 10:30 AM in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy with the Rev. Carl Beekman officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy with military graveside rites by the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 15, from 2:00 until 4:00 and 6:00 until 10:00 PM in the church. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 PM. A memorial has been established to Raising Spirits Foundation 5115 Belmont Ave. Suite B, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Condolences may be sent at www.thejonesfh.com.

James Mead

June 18, 1979 - March 13, 2006