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James R. Halas Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Haben Funeral Home & Crematory

8057 Niles Center Road

Skokie, Illinois

James Halas Obituary

James R. Halas Sr., age 78, of Skokie, retired Chief of Police, Village of Skokie, beloved husband of the late Yvonne, nee Marth; dear father of James R. Jr. (Susan), Catherine Ann (William) Carrano and the late Stephen J.; loving grandfather of Jennifer (Rob) Steins, Anthony (Jennifer) and James (Melissa); cherished great-grandfather of Kaitlyn and Emma; fond brother of Peter, Ann "Deedee" Ezekiel, the late George and Walter "Mike". Visitation Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. at Haben Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Road, Skokie. Funeral Saturday, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, for Mass, 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter Church, Skokie. Interment Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Brain Tumor Foundation, 22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco, CA 94111-5520. Funeral info: 847-673-6111.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Halas

42 Entries

Michael J Byrne

April 25, 2007

My sympathies to Jim's family. He was a great person. I went to school with Jim at St. George High School. We used to call him Bim. I double dated with Jim many times; Jim with Yvonne and me with Mary Schaefer; Proms, skating parties, hayrides, etc. Both Mary and Yvonne were beautiful girls. When Jim got married, Phil Ouelette and I bought a record and brought it over to Jim's house " Those Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine" I had a cleaning plant in Skokie and a shirt laundry for 12 years during the 60's. I did all of Jim's cleaning and shirts for free. He never wanted to accept this but I told him we were were such good friends, that I insisted. We went to lunch many times during those years and we enjoyed talking about old times. I will miss him very much. He was one of my best friends. Mike Byrne

Diane Bianco

April 9, 2007

Dear Cathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
With deepest Sympathy,
Diane

Elliott NELSON

April 7, 2007

I worked with Jim for for at least 10 years coordinating events for Skokie at Niles West High School.
He always made my job easier and became a friend as did many other Skokie PD officers. I always checked the retiree site to see how he was doing after his stroke.
Thanks for the memories!

Elliott Nelson, Ret., Bldg. Mgr., Niles West H.S.

Julie Ulaneck-Newton

April 6, 2007

I just received word of your loss. I worked for Chief(Capt.) Halas for twenty years,(1975-1995). He was the best. There are so many memories and he helped put them all together. Our prayers are with the family.

Dick Oldenburg

April 4, 2007

To the entire Halas family: I worked with and for Capt. H for 26 years. He was only a Sgt. when I started, so I got to know him fairly well. We shared lunches sometimes together. They didn't come any better than he was as a boss. He will be missed as much, if not more, than others we have also recently lost - far too many!!!

MAUREEN MILZ

April 2, 2007

.JAMES HALAS FAMILY,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you on the death of your father..He was a great husband and father loved his family..he also was a great Boss to his men and a friend to many. He was a good boss and friend to my late husband Roger Milz. Roger had many memories of Jimmy.
I remember JIMMY at my husbands retirement party at Morton HouseRestaurant. We were now going toSt Germain Wisc and Jimmy told us dont be strangers and when we came into town be sure to see him..He always had time for his men that became his friends.. Will be missed by many he was respected by all who knew him. Once again sorry for your loss.
MAUREEN MILZ

EARNEST CLEBURNE

April 2, 2007

JAMES HALAS FAMILY
Mydeepest sympathy during difficult times.Yourfather ChiefHalas was one in a million no one can or will ever take his place in the hearts of the men that served under him on SKOKIE POLICE DEPT FROM 1955 to 2002..I was one of those men that served 30 years with him. He was the most respected person I have ever known.He touched many of our lives and we were better people for knowing him..He served his men well left all who knew him an everlasting impression .I have great memories of CHIEF HALES FOR 30 years that I could call him my boss and my friend.
Saw Jimmy in Arizona 2 years ago and as always he had that smile for you...I like many others will Miss Him but his job was done here on earth, he is in a better place without worry or pain...JIMMY you are a legacy in your own.Proud to have served with you.
GOOD BYE GOOD FRIEND
EARNIE CLEBURNE retired SPD 1983

Donna (Kuzma) Byrne

April 2, 2007

To the Halas Family,
I worked with Chief Halas for such a short time, but it was very apparent what a kind and gentle man he was. I have thought of him often and he will always have a special place in my fond memories of the Skokie Police Department. He will be missed.

Brian Esterman

April 2, 2007

I remembered your father from when I attended Niles West Class of 71, he was always around and never said much but U always knew he was there for protection. Fine Man, Fine Police Officer

Mike and Sandy Fujara

April 2, 2007

Dear Jim and Halas Family,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. Your father was a true role model with the Skokie Police Department. He helped the start of my police career as a CSO in Skokie and that experience ultimately led to my hiring with the Morton Grove PD. He touched my life and lives of others with his dignity and work ethics. There was no one like him. He will truly be missed. We were unfortunately out of town for the wake and funeral, but our spirits and prayers are with you and your family.

Thoughts and Prayers,

Bill Lustig Chief of Police

April 2, 2007

Dear Halas Family:

Your father was truly a special Individual, he will be missed by law Enforcement. People like Jimmy are a rarity. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely;

Al & Nina Fournier

April 1, 2007

Jim,
We worked together for so many years as fellow Captains, changing assignments through the year. You always had a smile, a dish of candy and an open heart. I have no doubts that you are now in a place where you still have the candy dish and the smile, but without pain. Take care my friend, but know that we and so many will miss you.

Johnette Van Dien

April 1, 2007

I am proud to say I worked for Chief Halas (then Captain) for 10 years. He was one who made that department a very special place. I am deeply saddened to know the earth has one less wonderful person on it, but rejoice that this angel is in his rightful place in heaven. All the time Chief walked the earth he was an angel among us. I hope and pray that his family will soon be comforted to know he is in a far far better place, and will always be with them because his service and dedication to family and society were always #1. Love and prayers,

Dennis Markoutsas

March 31, 2007

Jim Halas was a man amoungst men. He was an outstanding leader and a loyal friend to all of us at the Skokie Police Department. I for one had the pleasure and honor to work under the leadship of Jim Halas who always looked out for his men. The death of Jim Halas is a great loss to us all. My sincerest sympathy to the entire Halas Family.

Jeffrey Randall

March 31, 2007

I served under Chief J. Halas during my tenure at SPD. Chief Halas was one of the most respected, loyal and dedicated leaders that I had the pleasure to serve under and he will be sadly missed. Retired Officer Jeffrey J. Randall

Peter Halas Jr.

March 31, 2007

Dear James Halas Family,
We all know him as "Uncle Bim", and fondly remember him and you at the too infrequent family reunions. Poppop, your "uncle Pete" sends his love, neither he nor Dee could get out there.
Please know that the Pete and Dee branch of our extended family share this loss with you as we all remember and pray for all in our family.
with sympathy and love,
Peter Jr.
for Poppop,Dee and
kids and grandkids

Les Craith

March 30, 2007

To the Halas Family,

In our lives there are a few people we meet that made an everlasting impression. Chief Halas was just that person. It was an honor and a privilege to know him as well as to work with him. It is with deep regret that we send our sincere condolences to you, and also to his extended family at the Skokie Police Department.

Les Craith Dispatcher (1999-2004)

Patti & Carlos Cancio

March 30, 2007

Jim, we're so sorry to hear about you Dad - but what a wonderful legacy he left for you & the Family
Warm Regards
Patti & Carlos Cancio

Allan Kaminski COP Retired

March 30, 2007

To a fine man and a great police administrator; it was a pleasure to work with you professionally and an honor to be a friend. May you enjoy eternal rewards for the life you lead. Rest in peace.

DONNA RUEDY

March 30, 2007

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH JIM FOR THIRTEEN YEARS, HE WAS BOTH A GREAT BOSS AND FRIEND. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.

Hank O'Connell

March 30, 2007

Thanks for being my hero,then a boss, and then Friend. Very glad I knew you;you made a difference in my life.

Madelyne Galvin

March 30, 2007

Cathy,
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know how special he was to you and Jenn. My love and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
God Bless You

Mickey & Darleen Mc Carthy

March 30, 2007

Chief I will always miss my chocolates but you were always a friend, mentor,and adviser my wife and I will truly miss you Go with God... Mickey Skokie Animal Control

Jon DeGusto

March 29, 2007

Jims loyalty to the Village,Police Department, Family and fellow Officers was second to none. He was one of the finest Commanders I ever had the privilege of working for, and he will be deeply missed.

Daniel Ryan

March 29, 2007

Chief Halas was an outstanding officer, public servant and a good friend. When I would return for retiree award dinners he always asked me to sit at his table, which was a personal honor.

Daniel Ryan
Trustee, Skokie Police Pension Fund

March 29, 2007

Cathy,
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. I send my love to you and Bill, Jen and Rob, and to your brother and his family

Bernadette Barrett

Mort Podolsky

March 29, 2007

To the Jim Halas that I remember; The 10+ years (59/69) working with and for you was an honor and privledge. During those years you were a friend and a colleague.
You will always be remembered and missed.
Mort Podolsky

Steve Fivelson

March 28, 2007

To the Halas Family

I last saw Jimmy a few months ago. I stopped in to visit Jimmy and brough him a Harley Davidson coffee mug. Jimmy looked at me and said," you still have a big nose ". Jimmy will be missed by all that had the privilege to know and work with him.

thomas pohl

March 28, 2007

Chief halas---Haven'tseen you for a long time,but at a time like this the good memories come back and are really terrific Cannizero,caulfield,taylor,kloch,myselfands the crazy things we did to and for the dept. Miss you !!

Patrick Miller

March 28, 2007

Cathy,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know you're in my thoughts.

Warm Embrace,
Patrick Miller

Greg Leeb

March 28, 2007

I had the pleasure of volunteering in conjuction with Chief Kalas's department during my ESDA/CD days in Skokie. Jim was one of the nicest people I have ever met. May he rest in peace.

Sharon Powers

March 28, 2007

You will be missed Chief Halas. My late Husband Barry worked with you for many years. He spoke of you often and attended many occasions specifically because he would get the chance to see and talk to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. God rest your kind soul.
Sharon Powers

Michael Goldberg

March 28, 2007

Although I was on the department only 3 years from 1966-1969, I always had the greatest respect for you father. Please accept my condolences.

Gary Nolte, Ret., Skokie PD

March 28, 2007

After all the years we worked with you, you left us too soon. You were a great boss and a better person.

Jim McGuire

March 28, 2007

To have known you has been a plus in my life. Having worked with and for you has been a bigger plus. You will be missed

Jim McGuire Skokie P.D. (Retired)

Ann (Ahern) Krueger

March 28, 2007

Cathy, I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Don Suiter

March 28, 2007

Jim was a good man of honesty and integrity, kind and thoughtful. It was an honor to work with him while on the department. I'll always remember Jim from the good ol' days of years gone by. May he rest in peace and know he was loved.

Fr. David Hussey - SPD retired

March 28, 2007

Jim Halas was both a cop's cop and a gentleman. He was a good boss who always backed up those who worked for him. It was an honor to have served with him.

Michael Langer

March 28, 2007

To the Halas Family:

I worked for your father for over 25 years. To say that he was truly a wonderful boss and a great friend would be an understatement. To quote a Sergeant who had been around for a while, "working for Jimmy Halas was a privilege." That really says it all. Weasel, you're the best!

Michael. A. Langer, Lt.(Ret.)
Skokie Police Department

Ronald Baran

March 28, 2007

Anyone can be a leader, but it takes a very special person to be a well liked and respected leader. Jim Halas was one of those special people. He really cared for those who worked for him. I was proud to have worked for hin for 27 years.
He was our "Papa Bear".
Rest in peace.

Ron Baran, S.P.D. Retired

Kathy (Sullivan) Mahoney

March 28, 2007

So sorry to hear about your loss. I know that he must have been a good man because Cathy was a very nice person to know during our Marywood years. The family is in our prayers.
Bill & Kathy Mahoney

Laura (Jacobson) Werner

March 28, 2007

To the Halas Family,

Your father was an amazing, thoughtful, caring man. I am proud to say that I worked for him for 22 years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

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