University of Illinois Memorial: Remembering the life, death and legacy of James Michael Holec, Sr.
James Michael Holec, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, after a battle with the blood disease myelodysplastic syndrome. James was born on September 14, 1923, in Oak Park, IL. He grew up in Berwyn, IL. He excelled in baseball at Morton High School and was offered a professional contract with the Chicago White Sox minor league organization. His American Legion team took second place in the State tournament losing to the East St. Louis team which included Yogi Berra. He was an avid...