STERLING—Deacon James L. López, Sr., 89, of Sterling, died peacefully March 28, 2026, at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling.
Deacon López was born on April 1, 1936, in Sterling, the son of Jesus and Maria (Ramirez) López.
He married Barbara A. Nicklaus on July 17, 1964, in Sterling. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Family was Deacon López’s greatest joy.
Deacon López dedicated many years of service to the Sterling Township, most recently serving as Road Commissioner. As an active member of his community, he lived out his faith through serving others. Jim was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, founder of Twin Cities Homeless Shelter (formerly Twin Cities PADS -Public Action to Deliver Shelter), and a board member of the Whiteside County Senior Center.
He was deeply committed to the pro-life movement and generously gave his time as the founder and coordinator of the Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly. He also supported additional area service projects and found great joy in cooking for fundraisers.
Deacon López was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Rockford in 1998. He served as a deacon at St. Mary Parish, Sterling, for 18 years.
At the time of his death, he was a member of Sacred Heart
Parish, Sterling.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents; his infant daughter, Jessica López; his brothers, Jesse Gonzalez, Joseph Gonzalez, and John López; and his sisters, Melinda Galvan, Lupe Ramirez, and Antonio Gonzalez.
He is survived by his eight children: James, Jr. (Kim) López of Dayton, Ohio; Al Davis of Perry, Mo.; Linda Moyer of Sterling; Anita (Doug) Schryver of Rock Falls; Jesse (Mandy Graham) López of Austin, Texas; Bonnie (Dan) Wheeler of Clinton, Iowa; Robert (Sue) López of Dickeyville, Wis.; and Cindy (Joe) López-Sisler of Eldridge, Iowa. He was a proud grandfather to 24 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held April 6, 2026, at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. The funeral Mass was held April 7, 2026, at St. Mary Parish in Sterling. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
