Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JAMES KRZAK Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES KRZAK
Bob Cordero
November 26, 2022
Jim will always be in my heart. I met him at the telephone company and was just getting into children´s entertainment. He was very helpful in my career and I will always remember his gratefulness, kindness and most of all, his smile.
Greg Spalding
March 24, 2010
This seems a little late in coming. I tried to call Jim's house this week and the phone had been disconnected. Jim and I would talk about 3 or 4 times a year. I checked the Tribune almost afraid of what I might find. I met Jim in 1998 when he was the AT&T guy assigned to U.S. EPA. We both retired about the same time. I don't read the OBITS, so I wasn't aware he had passed. We last talked in October 2009. I have enjoyed Jim's Close-Up magic. He was a good friend and a true gentleman. He was so proud of his family. May he rest in peace.
Curtis Johnson
January 2, 2010
Dear Jim Krzak-
The Johnson family (Curt, Laura, Marian) of N. Sayre Ave. since 1972 are very sorry about your loss. He was a true gentleman,a helpful neighbor, and funny man. I remember hearing him on the Milt Rosenberg show on WGN radio. My parents (Larry & Evelyn) loved him as well.
We offer Jim and his great kids that he loved all of our prayers for you in the months ahead.
Peace,
Curt Johnson
Curtis Johnson
January 2, 2010
Dear Jim Krzak-
The Johnson family (Curt, Laura, Marian) of N. Sayre Ave. since 1972 are very sorry about your loss. He was a true gentleman,a helpful neighbor, and funny man. I remember hearing him on the Milt Rosenberg show on WGN radio. My parents (Larry & Evelyn) loved him as well.
We offer Jim and his great kids that he loved all of our prayers for you in the months ahead.
Peace,
Curt Johnson
Margo Bebinger
December 16, 2009
Steve, thank you for telling me stories about your father. Not knowing him, your energy about him and the love you shared was lovely to witness. I hope the memories never fade for you and your family - you'll keep him with you whenever you need him.
Kelly Mack
December 7, 2009
I will never forget the great magic tricks and how nice jim was. I am so very sorry for your loss.
December 7, 2009
Jim performed at my son's rehersal dinner at Schuliens and later I asked him to perform at our company Christmas party. EVERYONE said it was the best party ever thanks to Jim. I found out about his death because I had called and left a message asking him to perform at a party for senior citizens. It was so nice of Jim's son to return my call. It is always hard when someone dies but when someone dies who is so full of life they leave a tremendous void. My prayes are with the family.
Michael Mack
December 5, 2009
Jimmy was my father's cousin, and I last saw him in January at my grandmother's wake. He was always so nice to me, and would always take the time to chat and catch up. I will never forget, once when I was a kid, my family was visiting the Krzak's. Jimmy pulled me and my dad aside, and showed us an incredible magic trick. He put a penny under a hat. He then picked the hat up...the penny had turned into a huge rock! Still the best trick I have ever seen some thirty years later. My condolences to the Krzak family.
December 5, 2009
Dear Kelly and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. We will pray for you all.
Christine, Emilie and Eric Yount
Violeta Carrion
December 5, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Janice Jerchen-Apel
December 4, 2009
One of the best cousins a girl could ask for. I am sure he's saying 'Aunty Lou, pick a card!'
Love you Jimmy.
Always will.
Cousin Janice
Ingrid Fernandes
December 4, 2009
Dear James and Jen, you have lost someone very special and your shock and sorrow at this moment is deep. May the beautiful memories of a life lived to the fullest, and specially the laughter and magic of this truly great gentleman be in your hearts forever.
Auntie Eleanor Biskup
December 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michael and Jennifer Woods
December 4, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. All our love and prayers sent your way! God be with you always...
Jay Collen
December 3, 2009
Jim had great talent, and worked hard to perfect his craft, but his real strength as a magician came from being a good man. He liked people, he cared about people, he always did his best for people, he performed joyfully,and all those qualities were sincere. I will miss him deeply.
Steve Belliveau
December 3, 2009
Jim was very nice to me as we talked about magic. He loved to tell me of his friend who performed "Proffesor's "Nightmare" with spaghetti noodles with his hands dripping with sauce. His card work was first class and Jim was first class. He will be missed. Steve Belliveau
Michael Kujak
December 3, 2009
To all of my family: Stephen, Michael, Kelly, James, Chris, Andrea and all: I am very sorry for the loss of Jim, he was a great guy. I'm sorry I cannot attend services, but know that I am there in spir
Krebs
December 3, 2009
Jim entertained my family several times over the past years at Hackney's in Wheeling. His magic sparked my 10 year old son's interest and he is now working on being a magician as well. When I told him about Jim's passing, his eyes weld up and he said that he will really miss him.
Bill Mangold
December 3, 2009
I worked with Jim at Ameritech many years ago. Like many others I also enjoyed his magic act at Schuliens & other times when we would be out in a group setting.
He always had a smile & his laughter lightened up everyone's day. He will be missed.
Dave Byrne
December 3, 2009
Jim was an excellent magician, but more importantly he was truly a fine and gentle man. My sincere condolences to the entire Krzak family.
Gregg Peters
December 3, 2009
If you look up the definition of GENTLEMAN, there would be a picture of Jim Krzak. A wonderful entertainer, and true friend to everyone in the magic community and all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of working side-by-side Jim on a few occasions, and we were always laughing, sharing stories and had the best time!
We use to kid each other about his business card reading "Something Up My Sleeve" and mine "Nothing Up My Sleeve."
We're so sorry for your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Krzak family.
December 3, 2009
Your conjuring and entertainment skills were only outdone by your bigger than life good heart. Father Kurt (Spengler), S.A.M. 148
Jerry Sharff
December 3, 2009
I, am so pleased to have been entertained by James. First at Schuliens, and when he lectured at the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Chicago Ring 43. about two years ago.
We loved his easy going friendly personalty.
Jerry Sharff
President, IBM-Ring 43
Bob Cordero
December 3, 2009
To the Krzak family,
I met Jim 23 years ago when we both worked at the phone co. I was just getting into magic and clowning and he introduced me to a whole new world. I've always kept in contact with him and he was a very good friend to me, my wife and 2 grown adult son and daughter.
He will always be in my heart. What an INCREDIBLE and GENTLE man.
December 3, 2009
Whilst oh holiday in Chicago this summer, our friend Jeff Siegfried introduced us to James and we had a wonderful evening of entertainment and laughs. James was a born entertainer and we are sure that he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Rest in Peace.
Theresa Lawler (London, UK) & Ailbe Coffey (Dublin, Ireland)
Amy Trudeau
December 3, 2009
I have seen Jim several times in action @ O'Donavan's and had the pleasure of having to my home for private parties. The adults got just as much pleasure from talking with him as the kids got watching him perform. He is a part of my daughters birthday memories, she keeps an autographed playing card on display.
Mona Morrison
December 3, 2009
Jim was such a nice, gentle man and I always enjoyed seeing him. He will be missed. May his family find peace in he wonderful memories he has left behind.
Lisa Dubbs
December 3, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time now and to come.
The Dubbs Family
Mrs. Golich's class, Keith School
Ailbe Coffey
December 3, 2009
I am shocked to hear of Jimmy's death at such a relatively youthful age. I know I am privilege to have seen him perform his unique art form. I mean, where did that bowling ball come from?? Enjoy your new stage.
December 3, 2009
Jim was a fine magician who was giving and caring. I had the pleasure of working with him at Schuliens where he would share a new idea and make me laugh at his one liners. Jim, we will think of you often. Thank you for your kindness.
Tom Grossman
Tim Felix
December 3, 2009
Not just "one of the good guys", Jimmy was the best. His knack for making you feel better by just seeing him was as amazing as his performance, and the sense of loss is overwhelming. We'll miss you, Jim.
Bob Coluzzi
December 3, 2009
I will miss Jim very much. Jim and I go back many years and I have always enjoyed his magic and his great personality.
He was truly a great entertainer in my book.
Bob Coluzzi
CLAUDIA HAYES
December 3, 2009
TO ANDREA, MY HEART HURTS FOR YOU. TO ALL OF YOU CHILDREN, STEVE, KELLY,JAMES, MICHAEL AND CHRISTOPHER...THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD WILL STAY WITH YOU ETERNALLY. PRAY FOR HIM AND KEEP HIM IN YOUR HEART. WE LOVE YOU ALL. GOD BLESS . AND JIM, GOD WILL SURELY LOVE YOUR MAGIC. YOU WILL BE MISSED... LOVE COUSIN CLAUDY AND BILL HAYES
Jim Jacobs
December 2, 2009
"Sad" is a word that doesn't even come remotely close to our loss. I still have the business card from well over 20 years ago: "The Amazing El Smootho." Whenever I was back in Chicago, I always enjoyed dropping into Schulien's/O'Donovon's with friends to see Jim work his close-up miracles. My thoughts are with his family at this very tragic time.
JIM JACOBS, North San Diego County
Ash
December 2, 2009
We are sorry to hear of James' death. He was a great asset to our brotherhood of Magicians. Ash and Bonnie @ Ash's Magic
Eloy Reyes
December 2, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Joan & Trent Nehls
December 2, 2009
Mike & Nicole -- our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
December 2, 2009
The best darn father-in-law I could have asked for, he was the first person I met in James' family and I knew after meeting him that the rest of them would be just as wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the 9 years I shared with you and I only wish it could have been more.....you still owe me a dance..... : )
Love always,
Jen
Don Wiberg
December 2, 2009
I'm sure all who knew Jim as a magician are saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Don Wiberg,Secretary
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Jared and Kendra Mason
December 2, 2009
I am so so very sad to have to say goodbye to such a sweet man. He will be missed deeply. We love you so much, Jim! Thank you for always making us smile!
December 2, 2009
We met Jim at Schuliens many years ago. Loved his magic and him so much!!! He did private partys for our family. Was so wonderful with the kids!! Found out we lived close by. My Co. fixed his roof problem. A real Chicago celeb. and will be missed. John Luszcz (Chicago)
Hollie and Ed Wille
December 2, 2009
I'm so sorry and send you our deepest sympathies and prayers for strength. Jim was funny, sweet and so likeable, may you always treasure the good memories he has left for all of you. You all have my love, xxxoooooo Cousin Hollie and Ed.
Bernadine (Cousin Sissy) Kroll
December 2, 2009
Jim will be missed by many. My prayers are with the whole family.
December 2, 2009
Jim was one of the most entertaining close-up magic performers in the Chicago area. He always seemed to have as much fun as the guests. The news spread fast between magicians on his passing. We all felt that we just loss someone special.
Ken Mate -Batavia IL
Scott Sowizrol
December 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carissa & Michael Grzelak/Gallaher
December 2, 2009
Thank you for touching our hearts with laughter and warm memories over the years, Uncle Jim. You will be missed.
Love your Goddaughter,
Carissa & Michael (fiance)
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in JAMES KRZAK's name
Memorial Events
for JAMES KRZAK
How to support JAMES's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JAMES KRZAK's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
