James Allen Rosenquist

James Allen Rosenquist, of Ambler, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, (aged 87) in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 2, 1937, in Clarinda, Iowa to Swedish parents, Ture Gunnar (“T.G.”) and Amanda C. (Nelson) Rosenquist. He was the devoted husband of Joyce Louise (Barnhart) Rosenquist, father of Mark, Lori (Kent Griswold), Scott (Shelli), and Todd (Heather), and the biggest supporter and beloved Grandpa/Pa of Kaela (Garrett Thomas) and Grant Griswold, Sarah Rosenquist (Derek Sullivan) and Hannah Rosenquist (James Bush), Andrew and Abbagail Rosenquist, Ander and Avelina Escudero, and great-granddaughter, Piper Rose (Sarah and Derek). James is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him greatly.

 

James was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, and his six older brothers: Donald, Paul, Glenn, T.G. Jr., Darrell and Darwin. He and Joyce also tragically lost two of their sons, Mark and Scott, in 1994 and 2017, respectively.

 

James was guided by his faith and found comfort in God’s grace in all he did. He was a man of high moral standards and integrity which was evident the minute you met him. Whether you knew him as James, Jim, Big Jim, Uncle Jim, Jimmy, Rosey, Dad or his favorite nicknames, Grandpa or Pa— you would know that his family meant everything to him. He loved gathering with loved ones, sharing good food and creating cherished memories.  He was the most kind, understanding, empathetic and generous person, always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it was volunteering for a variety of community service organizations, teaching or coaching high school students, working in accounting or banking, selling insurance or real estate, working with son, Scott,  or helping Joyce with her children’s choirs and hand-bell choirs, he always had a warm smile and welcoming hug for everyone.

 

A close second for his love of family was his love of football. Talking strategy with his friends, children and grandchildren about the current professional and college teams (especially the Huskers). An NAIA All-American football player, he excelled playing football for both Essex, Iowa High School and Peru State College. From his childhood growing up on a farm in rural Iowa, the youngest of 7 boys, he learned a strong work ethic and the importance of family. Known far and wide for his notoriously strong handshake, his strength remained until his final days with a grin from ear to ear.

 

James and his wife, Joyce, were blessed with many special friendships from their time living in Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado and Pennsylvania. Since marrying over 67 years ago, they were inseparable and cherished the strong family they created.

 

In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family asks that you honor James’ legacy by embracing your loved ones, sharing a hug and treasuring your time together. Life is short; cherish it and those who make it special.

 

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00am, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska. The service will be live streamed on the Church’s website (stmarks.org). The family invites you to wear red, if you desire, to honor Big Jim’s love for the Huskers.

 

A private burial will take place prior to the service.