ROCHELLE — James Myron Vagle, 81, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois.  Jim was born on August 4, 1942 to Mervil C. and Mabel J. (Vogle) Vagle in DeKalb, IL.  He graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1960.  Jim was a grain, cattle and hog farmer in the Rochelle/Kings area his entire life.  He also was involved in trucking locally.

Jim was a member of the Ogle County Farm Bureau and a member of Elim Reformed Church in Kings, IL.  He was involved with 4-H for many years.  Jim was an avid antique tractor collector.  At one point, he had around 34 tractors, the oldest being from the year 1950. Most of the 34 were either John Deere or International Harvester tractors.  He enjoyed going to farm shows, county fairs and especially Mecum Antique Tractor Sales.  Jim was all about routine.  One could find him at 6:00 A.M. having breakfast at Grubsteakers with all of his farmer friends pretty much every morning.  He was always willing to help his farming friends and neighbors. Jim will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Jim is survived by his nephew, Larry Sterna of New Berlin, WI; niece, Jennifer Sacho of Palm Harbor, FL; brother-in-law, David Sterna of Beloit, WI; good friend, Terry (Lisa) Hardy, life long friend, Jay Knight, numerous cousins and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Sterna, on August 12, 2023.

The visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., Saturday with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating.  Burial is at Monroe Center Cemetery in Monroe Center, IL.  Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Department or the Elim Reformed Church.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.