James Otis Ferguson, (Fergie) died April 17, 2003, in Joliet, Ill. He was a native of Suffolk and the widower of Rosamond (Rouse) Ferguson, of Joliet. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lily Smith. He had retired from Caterpiller after 35 years of service.

He was a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 212 Richards St, Joliet, and was a Past Master of Stone City Lodge No. 35; Past Potentate of Al-Hamid Temple No. 222; Marquette-Joliet Consistory.

Survivors include seven daughters, Cheryl Cherry, Carolyn (Gary) Burton, Brenda (Alvin) Gates, Laura Ferguson, Rhonda (Terrance) Terry and Beth Drake, all of Joliet; five sons, James (Edith) Ferguson Jr. of Fort Washington, Md.; Tony (Barbara) Drake of Springfield, IL; Kenneth (Jeanean) Drake of Phoenix, Ariz.; Bernard Ferguson of Olympia Fields, IL; and William Ferguson of Joliet; his father, James Smith Sr. of Suffolk; one sister, Sylvia McPherson of Franklin; and numerous family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. April 23, at Minor-Morris Funeral home and from 6-7 p.m. at Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Services will begin at 7 p.m.

Christ Temple Apostolic Church is located at 212 Richards St., Joliet. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Joliet, IL.

Minor-Morris Funeral Home, 112 Richards Street, Joliet, is in charge of arrangements. Funeral information provided by Harris Funeral Home Inc., 685 Carolina Rd.