Randall "Randy" James, 61, of Rock Island passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017 at home surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer that he fought with grace and courage.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at First Christian Church, Moline.  Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock Island County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited or the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City.  Private inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island.

Randy James was born on July 7, 1955 in Rock Island, the son of Robert D. James and Dorothy Erickson.  He married Robin McDougall on October 6, 1984 in Des Moines, IA.

Randy graduated from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in 1978 with a BA in biological sciences.  He started his work career as assistant resource planner for the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District.  Randy retired from the City of Rock Island in 2014 after 35 years of service, the last 11 as waste water supervisor.  He was active in FCC of Moline serving as a deacon and an elder.  Randy also volunteered as a Little League coach, Cub Scout leader and committee member of the Andalusia Slough and Rock Island County Chapters of Ducks Unlimited.  Randy loved  the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper.

Randy is survived by his wife, Robin James, Rock Island; son, Scott James, New Windsor, IL; daughter, Ellen (Jon) Mulder, Davenport; brothers, Jeffrey (Sandee) James, Murphyboro, IL, and Gary (Jandha) James, Wichita, KS; grandson, Everett Mulder; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Anseeuw and UIHC Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, especially Doctors, Monga, Milhelm and nurse, Jody Hanes.  They would also like to thank Unity Point Palliative Care and Hospice Care, as well as many supportive friends.