James Gauze

James J. Gauze, with family beside him, transcended peacefully to Heaven Nov.15,2025 after bearing terminal Frontotemporal Dementia. Diagnosed in Aug 2021, he faced each day with his faith, strength, determination, family, friends and his love of life with his wife.

Born May 6,1939 in Chicago to young parents Jane Strong and Lawrence Swann, James was adopted at birth by his Mother's Uncle and Aunt, Ellsworth and Vera Gauze. He was raised as an only child in Sycamore, Illinois. His younger siblings, raised in Chicago, survive him. Lawrence Swann (Lorraine)of Alabama; Jean Bergbauer, Florida and Robert Swann (Caryl)

Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Klimczak,

Texas, brothers-in-law Andy Klimczak, Texas, and Bruce Bergbauer,

Florida; Great Grandies newborn triplet boys, Levi, Easton and Wyatt Gauze, New Jersey; his beloved Mother-in-law Grace Bell-Fry.

In his youth James served as an acolyte in St. John’s Episcopal church in Sycamore. He earned Eagle Scout. He told stories of his trip to Philmont Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico. He never forgot the bear that stole his food! Years later he served as a Scout Master in Florida. He raced stock cars in his early 20’s. All his life his knowledge of older auto makes and models was sharp. James learned his career trade in high school. He passed on a scholarship to play football out of state to care for his older parents. He became a master craftsman of building homes in Sycamore, Dekalb and Florida for the next 20 years. A highlight of his Northern Illinois career was being selected to renovate the famed 1879 Ellwood House mansion museum in Sycamore. His expertise led him to accept a contract to build a church in Danville in the early 80’s.

In Danville he met and married Betty Sanders in 1982. He and Betty and his two teen sons resided in Catlin where he quickly became a pro school and sports fan. His building career continued in Vermilion County. He gained his Real Estate license in 1984.He built and sold houses with his wife at Betty Sanders and Associates Real Estate.

In 1987 he and Betty relocated to Champaign County. He maintained his real estate license for 28 years building and selling. At an out-of-town Real Estate convention in the mid 90's he got acquainted with a few team couples. Teams were evolving in Real Estate. He and Betty became Team Gauze Inc. in 1997.

All his years he loved fishing, boating, nature, and any getaway or vacation, even white-water river rafting, saving his overboard friend, camping on the Colorado River and then checking into the Broadmoor Hotel. His favorite fishing was his friend’s pond near Fisher. He cut fresh garden flowers and created artistic bouquets for his wife. He loved live theater. He and Betty shared world travel including the Czech Republic, Spain, Wales, England, Venezuela, France, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and the islands. The couple celebrated their 10th anniversary in Hawaii and their 25th long boating in the canals of England and Wales. They visited 48 states in the USA during 15 years of RV travel. Jim volunteered at FUMC food pantry, Crisis Nursery, served as a church council member, and loved church volunteer mission trips.

One of his joys was the grandchildren clapping as he swept Grandma Gauze across the dance floor to his favorite 1950's rock & roll music. He loved dancing!

In 1994 Jim and Betty created and Jim built their family home in the Old Farm Subdivision. They cited the lot while driving home from church. He loved sharing the home with guests and parties. His favorite live-ins were his niece, Leeda Swann Dublo during her U of I years; Kailie Yun during her U of I years and his dear Mother-in-law Grace Bell-Fry. During one of Grace's health crises in Indiana he lifted her into the RV and brought her home to Champaign. She stayed! He loved her as his mother.

His survivors include Betty, his wife of 43 years; Sons James A Gauze (Donna)New Jersey; Steven Gauze, (Deana)Mahomet, IL; Kregg Sanders (Jenny) Danville, IL. Daughter Kelly Allhands (Scott) Kentucky. Grandsons Ryan Gauze (Courtney)New Jersey; Adam Gauze (Allysen)Fisher, IL; Garrett Gauze, Mahomet, IL; Joshua Sanders Colorado; Evan Allhands (Lauren) Kentucky; Kato Sanders, Danville. Granddaughters Chelsea Allhands, Kentucky; Kaylee Gauze (Vinny)New Jersey; Cora Gauze, Rantoul, IL. Danika Garzinski, New Jersey. Great Grandies, Madison Gauze, Jackson Gauze, Braxton Gauze, Addilyn Gauze all of Fisher, IL; Kaynin and Castiel Stika, Rantoul, IL; Payton Gauze and TJ Gauze, New Jersey. Beloved nieces and nephews; Debra, Michael, Lori, Brian, Robin, Kelly and Eugene. Family Doxie, little Miss Hannah Belle' Gauze; lifelong friend Mark Bennett, Wisconsin; longtime friends and neighbors. A Special thank you to Carle Neurology Dr. Aronson, Dr Suma Peter, Carle Hospice, and the caregivers who made Jim's journey easier, safer and more fun since 2021.Trinidad Gonzales, Linda Edmonds, Haydenia Jenkins, James Woodworth, Kathy Thomas, Mara Theis, Vicky Jones, Friends at Kaufman Center and Faith UMC for their many acts of kindness!

Private interment will be Dec 20,2025 in Ohio Grove Cemetery,

Courtland, rural Sycamore, Illinois.

A Celebration of James' Life will be held on Saturday Feb 14,2026 at Faith United Methodist Church,1719 S. Prospect, Champaign. Visitation 10:30 AM, Service 12 noon and Lunch Gathering for all immediately following.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Faith UMC Food Pantry,℅ FUMC 1719 S. Prospect, Champaign 61820 or

https://www.fortheirthoughts.org/donate The founders of the.org have lived experience with Dementia Caregiving and Dr. Bruce Miller, an expert Neurologist in FTD.

Please join James’ family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820.