James E. Roots
April 27, 1929 — May 25, 2016
James E. Roots, 87, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
James was born in Aurora, IL on April 27, 1929 the son of William J. and Anna (Backes) Roots. He is survived by his nephews William Krause, Sean Roots and James Roots, his close friend Charles Neubaum, his loveable pets Sable and Sally, and many friends in the Aurora and Ottawa area. James was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jeune Krause, and Marion Roots, brothers Donald, and William, wife Katherine (Divine) Roots and his life partner, Richard Masinelli.
He proudly served his country in the Unites States Army. James graduated from East Aurora High School, and Aurora College and his career led him to be a senior buyer at Vendo Company in Aurora, and the Assistant Manager of the McDonald Merchandising Company in Ottawa. He also worked at the Youth Service Bureau in Ottawa until his retirement. His love of flowers and his sense of design began at the Aurora Greenhouse in 1953 and continued when he moved to Ottawa at Blythe Flowers and The Plant Man.
To honor and remember James, please consider making a memorial contribution to any veterans, animal or children’s organizations or the charity of your choice. When any charitable organization reached out to James, he always opened his heart and his wallet.