James (Jim) C. Locke of Wheaton, Illinois passed away April 25, 2021 at Tabor Hills Healthcare Center in Naperville, Illinois. He was born on August 7, 1946 in Trenton, New Jersey to Charles and Anita Locke as their only child.

Jim grew up in Bristol and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State University where he was active in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. He attended graduate school at Cornell University and Purdue University, from which he earned a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology. He began working as a Research Scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Beltsville, Maryland in 1977. Jim worked for USDA until his retirement in October 2016, with the last 14 years as the lead scientist at the USDA's office located at the University of Toledo. In retirement, he moved to Wheaton, Illinois to be close to his son, daughter-in-law and 5 grandchildren.

Jim married Carol (Dunkerton) Locke on June 26, 1971. They were married for 45 years prior to Carol's death in 2016. Jim loved and cared for his wife throughout their marriage as she battled long-term complications from juvenile diabetes. Their son Brooks (born in 1976) was their only child. Jim learned his love for travel from his wife. Together they drove just about everywhere. Before Brooks was 16 they had taken him to all of the lower 48 states (46 by car). Jim loved photography, passed down from his father who worked as a professional photographer. He especially liked mountain scenery and lighthouses. He loved visiting National Parks. He visited 31 different parks with Acadia, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain among his favorites. In his retirement, Jim served his family by driving his grandchildren to and from school and extracurricular activities, when he wasn't driving to visit family, friends, or scenic locations on his lengthy list of places to visit.

Throughout his life, Jim sought to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served as an Elder at Forcey Bible Church for almost 20 years, with many years as the chair of the Missions Committee. He was passionate about helping to send others around the world to share the Gospel. Jim and Carol maintained a ministry of hospitality throughout their marriage, especially with visiting missionaries, beginning in graduate school through their 25 years in Maryland and 14 years in Ohio. Upon his arrival in Wheaton as a widower Jim enthusiastically continued hosting people in his home for dinners and missionary prayer meetings. He dove into getting connected at College Church by attending the Veritas Adult Community, serving as vice president of Keenagers, and volunteering as part of the Front Door ministry. Now he is receiving his reward for a lifetime of service to the Lord, but only because he recognized his need for forgiveness and salvation through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

He is survived by his son Brooks (Susan) of Wheaton, IL, and grandchildren (Jillian, Elliott, Erin, Andrew and Garrett). He was preceded in death by his wife Carol and his parents.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 1-4pm at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. Funeral service will be at 10am on Monday, May 3, 2021 at College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL with interment at Wheaton Cemetery immediately following. A livestream of the funeral service will be available here: https://youtu.be/Nz8J9-iH28o

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Jim to support the work of T.&R. W. working in a sensitive location overseas by giving to Pioneers account #115063 online at www.pioneers.org or by mail to 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832. Alternatively, help support the National Parks he loved by donating to the National Park Conservation Association.