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James Kosmond Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kosmond
David B.Yavitz, Esq.
April 29, 2024
Still think about Kos, he helped make me the lawyer I am today even after 55 years being admitted to the bar. We really beat the best the US Govermnent had in the Block trial, they were so pissed they used the FBI to see if you or I spoke to the jury. Poor Losers. RIP Jim
David B. Yavitz
April 29, 2022
Saw in the Tribune that Jim's law schoolmate and long time friend, Yale Bass, recently died. It is comforting to believe that Jim and Yale are now together in heaven enjoying a beer
Lisa Helmuth
April 29, 2019
I love you and miss you more each year Dad.
Julie Murray
July 11, 2016
Dad,
Lisa said it so much better than I ever could.
It has to be harder for her because you guys lived close together and saw each other often.
That wasn't the case with me, and I am sorry.
But I miss you every day. I cannot watch the Sox or Cubs because it makes me too sad. I really loved when you were able to hear and we could watch a game, or a hockey thing, and comment on it in real time. I remember asking you about that guy, Ocho something or other? We were laughing. I loved watching sports with you on the phone and wish I had done it more often.
You have left such a hole in our hearts, Dad (Lisa and me). It will never go away.
Anyway, I hope you are happy and at peace, with your grandson James, Mom, Babi, Gramps, and anyone and everyone you have ever loved.
Okay, now I need a kleenex. ;)
I am big on denial. I try not to feel your absence, but when I read Lisa's post, I had to say something.
love you and Lisa and Jeff and Jack and James and Bella :) so much! :)
Lisa did so much for you, Dad, but of course you know that. XO Julie
btw Dad, Gilly and Michel went kayaking tonight; I went to the beach (same lake). You would have loved seeing it. I still remember when Yuri brought you here and I took you to the outlook at the Gatineau Park.
I loved spending time with you. Thank you, Dad.
My dearest loving father
Lisa Helmuth
July 8, 2016
Dad, Just wanted to tell you how much I miss you. Nothing is the same. No cubs win matters as much. Want to call you on my way home from work. See your picture and my heart hurts. You are a great soul. I think God gave you the pain that happened because you were strong enough to grow spiritually from it all. I imagine you, mom, Raymond and James all together sharing thoughts and I hope helping us figure things out here. I miss you so terribly. I love you so much. Your Lisa.
Dad with his Dad!
Lisa Helmuth
May 15, 2016
Dad loved his father, "Big Six" Butter and Eggs, a wholesale dairy distributor. He was proud of his father and looked up to his dad's toughness. Gramps had to quit school in 6th grade to help raise his siblings; he worked in the stockyards of Chicago breaking mustangs. I heard that story so many times. He loved his dad very much.
"Go Blackhawks" (chuckle...)
Lisa Helmuth
May 14, 2016
Dads Bride with Jimmy, Linnea and Louise
Lisa Helmuth
May 14, 2016
Dad this spring during Julie's visit
Lisa helmuth
May 14, 2016
Bob and Mary Ann Tuerk
May 13, 2016
Lisa,
I received the news last week, as I was leaving for a week's vacation, that your dad had died on April 16th.
I want to express my sincere condolences to you, Julie, Jeff, Michel and all the family on the loss of your wonderful father.
Your dad was a special person; a wonderful and loving father; excellent lawyer; loyal friend to many; and a special friend and colleague to me.
It was my good fortune to work with your dad for almost 20 years at both Boodell, Sears and Querrey & Harrow.
I recollect fondly the special moments I shared with your dad professionally and the enjoyable time I spent socially with him and your mom over the years.
He will be missed, but fondly remembered for his love of Nancy, his love of you and Julie, his sons-in-law, his grandchildren and of the legal profession.
Shakespeare says that parting is such sweet sorrow and indeed losing your dad is a sad moment but is also cause for me to celebrate and remember his love, warmth and professional success.
My wife, Mary Ann, joins me in sending our deepest regrets for your loss.
Tony Madormo
May 11, 2016
KOS was a great lawyer, but an even better mentor, friend and person. There are many lawyers practicing today who owe a great deal to him. He always exhibited great skill; perseverance;tenacity;a great wit;and professionalism while practicing law and more importantly in life. When KOS took you under his wing he not only helped you become a better lawyer, but also enriched your life with his generosity; wisdom humor; and bringing you into into his wonderful circle of family and friends. Thanks for everything KOS. My thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family and your many friends.
Dad in April, 2016, writing up his NCAA brackets
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
Dand caretaker Danita
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
81st Birthday Cake!
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
Dad at Northwestern University 50th Year Anniversary Dinner
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
lisa helmuth
May 10, 2016
Julie Murray
May 10, 2016
I hope your passing was peaceful. I treasure those weeks I spent with you this year. I love you always.
Julie
Julie Murray
May 10, 2016
Dad, I remember you writing on the yellow legal pads, late into the night, when you were "on trial." You gave your clients everything you had. I'll never forget listening to your closing argument in the Rodriguez case. Mom, Lisa and I got all dressed up ... it was amazing. You captivated the jurors and won, even though the plaintiffs had such a sympathetic case--a little boy had drowned in a pond where there were all kinds of signs warning against entering the water. During your closing, you mentioned how you understood the parents' grief, having lost a son, Raymond, yourself. Of course, there was an objection, which was of course granted. :) The jurors were instructed not to consider that, but of course, as you well knew, the horse was out of the barn. :) You humanized yourself, and by extension, your client. And you won. As you did so often!
I remember reading your law books and playing civil procedure games (Is this hearsay? And you'd give examples). I know that is why I got an AmJur award in Civil Procedure-Evidence in law school.
I miss you. Every evening around 9 p.m., I think, I have to call Dad and do the jumble!
I hope you are at peace and happy, surrounded with love and everlasting joy. And when my time arrives, I hope to see you again.
All my love, Julie
Mom and Dad
Lisa Helmuth
May 10, 2016
Dad I love you from before time to forever. You will always be my strength in my heart. I miss you terribly. Take care of James, please.
David Yavitz
May 8, 2016
Koz was my mentor and I could not have asked for a better teacher. Jim took me under his wing when I got out of the University of Illinois College of Law and started as an associate at Boodell, Sears, Giambalvo and Crowley. Jim taught me how to be a trial lawyer. Together we tried our most memorable case in 1972 when we defended Max Block in Federal Court against the Washington DC based US Attorney's Strike Force prosecuting corruption involving the Barber's Union Pension Fund and its questionable loans to Las Vegas hotels and casinos. After 3 intense weeks of trial, Jim summed up our defense and convinced the jury to acquit our client on all counts. The lessons Jim taught me during this trial have stuck with me throughout my legal carrer and I shall be ever grateful for his guidance and counsel. Later in life, Jim honored me with the greatest compliment by asking me to represent him and be his attorney at a time he needed help. I shall miss him greatly. I love you Jim
Yale Bass
May 7, 2016
Jim was a great lawyer and an even greater friend. I treasure our close friendship throughout the years (Farragut H. S. and Northwestern Law School).I am extremely saddened by his loss.
Yale Bass
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