James G. Ferguson

James “Jim” Ferguson was born on June 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of John and Emma (Hoffner) Ferguson. He attended West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, then graduated from Villanova University with a Business degree. After college, Jim spent 35 years in Sales Management with Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods, and 10+ years at L&M Accounts working with his close friend, Larry Van Ert.

At the age of 17, Jim met the love of his life (Mary J. Dillon) at a Holy Cross school dance. While he would like to think he swept her off her feet, the truth is they started dancing through life together that evening and it resulted in 69 blissful years as a couple. The children believe the judges on Dancing with the Stars (one of their favorite shows) would have been proud. Jim & Mary were always by each other’s side - having dated for 4 years, marrying on June 11, 1960 and recently celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this past June with their family. Sadly, Jim lost the love of his life, Mary, on August 13th, 2025, which left him broken hearted.

Throughout their marriage, Jim gained business success while Mary was the anchor at home. Their journey included stops in Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Tampa, Cleveland, and Bettendorf – where they raised their four children (Kathleen, Jim, Drew, and Erin). They believed in the saying, “bloom where you’re planted” – meaning, make the best of your current circumstances and always find a way to flourish. Working together they believe they achieved their best life.

Jim was a loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, son, and friend. His Catholic faith and family meant the world to him, and he always made sure you felt it. He had a unique gift for engaging in deep conversations, listening and learning more about you. He had a keen ability to make you feel like the most important person, always present in the moment, and whether you liked it or not the questions were coming. His discovery skills were unmatched. He made sure his children and grandchildren always knew they were important, special, and loved. Without hesitation, he made it a point to always attend family, school, and athletic events. You could always find him in the stands beaming as he cheered for his loved ones. The pride he felt seeing each of them happy and laughing was his greatest joy. It’s what he lived for as a parent and grandparent.

While Jim’s ability to connect with family was evident, this gift extended to work family as well. In his darkest hours, as he dealt with his illness with courage and grace, he had countless friends take time to visit, reach out by phone or through cards to share the impact he made in their lives. It felt like he truly had an abundance of “best friends”. His family is clearly bias, but a few quotes we read and would like to share are … “He was a man above men”, “He was the one of the best men to grace the earth”, “I consider Jim my second dad”, “Your father’s influence and friendship made me a better man”, “He taught me the importance of building great work relationships that could become lifetime friendships” and “Your father is my brother, my best friend, my mentor, and my partner in business and life”. The saying that people may not remember what you said but they will remember how you made them feel, applies here. He was so thankful, grateful, and appreciative of the friendships he made and relationships he established throughout his career, as well as within his community.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children and their spouses: his daughter Kathleen (Greg) Byrd, Davenport, son Jim, Davenport, son Drew (Michelle), Neola, IA, daughter Erin (Tom) Mueller, Davenport. Grandchildren: Tyler Ferguson, Omaha, NE, Dylan (Kristian) Gardiner, Riverside, IA, Kylie (Kyle) Jolas, Houston, TX, Garrett Byrd, Denver, CO, Brant Mueller, Davenport, Carolyn Byrd, Davenport. Step Grandson: Kirk (Amanda) Mueller, Davenport. Great Grandchildren: Fraya, Piper & Raegan Gardiner; Madison & Liam Mueller. Brothers: Jack (Joanne) Ferguson, Pennsylvania, Bill (Bet) Ferguson, Texas. Sister-in-law: Frani (Joe) Biggins, Virginia. Brother-in-laws: Walt Kokol, Pennsylvania, Joe (Joan) Dillon, Delaware. In addition, many nieces and nephews located in PA, TX, CO, VA, MI, and MD.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, parents (John and Emma Ferguson) – PA, in-laws (Eugene and Frances Dillon) – PA; Sister Joanne Kokol – PA; Sister-in-Laws Claire Muldoon – PA, Joan Dillon – PA; Brother-in-Law Leo Dillon – PA; Nephew William Muldoon – PA, and Nieces Claire Muldoon - PA, Tina Dillon - PA, and Kristi Clennon – VA.

Services: There will be a Memorial Mass and joint Celebration of Life for Jim & Mary to be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church – 4097 18th Street, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon afterwards (location to be announced). Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please see mortuary link for additional event details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Jim’s honor to the American Heart Association or Catholic Charities.