James Michael Maloney

James Michael Maloney, 79, of Loudon, Tennessee passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home Sunday, April 6, 2025. He was born October 10, 1945, in Chicago, IL. The son of James and Elizabeth (Grogan) Maloney. He graduated from Belvidere High School and then served our country in the United States Army, Illinois National Guard, 127th Infantry, and Graduated from Army Ranger Schol in Fort Benning, Georgia. James married the love of his life, Linda Rowoldt October 25, 1969. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University. James dedicated his career to education, beginning as a teacher at Cathedral Catholic School in Rockford, the Harlem School District, and Belvidere High School. He then progressed into administration, serving in leadership roles at Leaf River School District, North Pekin/Marquette Heights School District, and Gavin School District. He proudly served as a professor at Aurora University and Northern Illinois University. James held a deep passion for aviation, serving as an avid pilot and skilled flight instructor. He found exhilaration in aerobatic flying and proudly served as President of American Airshows. James was actively engaged in his community through involvement with organizations such as Rotary, Jaycees, the Conservation District of Boone County, and the Board of Directors for the Boone County Council of Aging. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and always being the first to offer guidance and advice. James found great joy in hunting with his friends, his son, and his beloved vizslas. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed the underwater world through scuba diving.  He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and cherished grandfather. He is loved and will be Missed by his beloved wife of almost 56 years, Linda; loving children, James (Candy) Maloney (Maple Grove, MN) and Erin (Mike) Pittman (Wonder Lake, IL); his adored grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa, Hannah Pittman, Teagan Maloney, Delaney Maloney, and Liam Pittman; and his brothers, Neil (the late Phyllis) Maloney (Rockford, IL) and Martin (Michele) Maloney (Melbourne, FL). He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Maloney; his in-laws, William and Frieda Rowoldt; brother-in-law, sister-in-law, a nephew, and several close friends. There will be a visitation Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL. Interment in Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. There will be a celebration of life at a later date in Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Mike Maloney Memorial Scholarship at www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org/donate or a charity of your choice. Checks can also be made payable to PGAEA and mailed to 5151 Orth Road, Ste. A-1, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.