Public graveside service to honor Moorehead May 22

Veteran and longtime resident passed away Jan. 25

Jeff Helfrich
Posted 5/13/21

Jim Moorehead passed away Jan. 25 at the age of 100. COVID-19 and winter weather made his graveside service family only and he was not able to be honored by the American Legion for his military service. That will happen May 22 at 11 a.m. at the southwest edge of Lawnridge Cemetery near 8th Avenue.

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Public graveside service to honor Moorehead May 22

Veteran and longtime resident passed away Jan. 25

Posted

ROCHELLE – The Rochelle community will have its chance to pay respects to a longtime resident and World War II veteran after all. 

Jim Moorehead passed away Jan. 25 at the age of 100. COVID-19 and winter weather made his graveside service family only and he was not able to be honored by the American Legion for his military service. That will happen May 22 at 11 a.m. at the southwest edge of Lawnridge Cemetery near 8th Avenue. Anyone is welcome to attend, Moorehead’s son, Butch, said. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there won’t be any other events like a meal at the church related to the graveside service. 

Moorehead served with the United States Navy during World War II from 1942-1944. He was assigned as a diesel mechanic to the submarine, U.S.S. Bluefish S.S. 222. 

He was a member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church and Kiwanis Golden K, VFW, American Legion and Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois. He served on the Flagg Township Historical Society for many years and the Flagg-Rochelle Park District board for 22 years. 

Butch Moorehead fondly recalled the community’s response to his father’s 100th birthday last year. 

“50 cars came by and dropped off cards for him on his birthday,” Moorehead said. “That was nice.”