Rev. James Stralow

Pastor Jim Stralow, 74, of Freeport, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He was born July 7, 1943 to Ernest and Fannie (Vos) Stralow in Morrison, IL. He married JoAnn Tichler of Morrison on February 22, 1964, while he was attending Central College in Pella, IA. Following graduation from college, he attended Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, graduating in 1968. Rev. Stralow pastored two churches in Michigan-First Reformed Church in Ravenna from 1968-1975, and Rehoboth Reformed in Lucas from 1976-1982. Until his retirement in 2009, he pastored the Reformed Church in Forreston, IL for 27 years. Through the years he served at various times as Classis President, Vice president and Clerk. He volunteered on two fire departments, the last one being in Forreston where he was the Chaplin and Secretary/Treasurer. He also was a part-time volunteer Chaplin at Freeport Memorial Hospital for several years. He enjoyed gardening, singing, and attending his grandchildren's school activities and sporting events. His hobbies included reading and jigsaw puzzles. He is survived by his wife JoAnn; three children: David (Debbie) Stralow of Cadillac, MI, Dan (Ange) Stralow of Baileyville, IL, and Deb (Greg) Dyson of Forreston; six grandchildren: Andrew Travis, Kaia and Hayden Stralow, Jordan (Syra) Maraj, and Logan Dyson; two step-grandsons, Sean and Ryan Weeks; two sisters Mary Sue (Arlyn) VanderEide of Garden Plain, IL and Linda (Dan) Hoogheem of Mohawk, NY; and one brother John (Ginny) Stralow of Pella, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday September 26, 2017 at Silver Creek Reformed Church (326 S Bunker Hill Rd, German Valley, IL) with Rev. Grant Mulder and Rev. Ken Zuithoff officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Monday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport (504 N. Walnut Ave Freeport, IL). Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Reformed Church Missions and Forreston Fire Department. Please sign Pastor Jim's guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com