James Prindiville

Prindiville, James Francis A resident of Kenilworth for 42 years, died suddenly on June 17, 2014. Born in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago on December 1, 1927, he discovered his direction early in life. At age five, he was caught dismantling his classroom's door lock, which led to a lifelong career in mechanical engineering. At age ten, he met the love of his life, Agnes Tierney, his wife and partner of 61 years. He was a craftsman who thought he could do anything (and could!) and a role model to his seven children, twenty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His optimism and energy survive in them. He was a man of his word, an understanding father and friend, a patient and listening teacher, and a moral compass to whom faith was important. He cared deeply about helping others and was always there when a family member or friend needed a hand. A companion, supporter and encourager to Agnes as she continued to pursue her own dreams at a time most people retire, he was supremely proud of her achievements. Jim grew up in Wheaton, IL, and graduated from Bishop Quarter Junior Military Academy, Oak Park; Marmion Military Academy, Aurora; and Marquette University in 1950 with a degree in mechanical engineering and where he was also an ROTC Navy ensign. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, training military servicemen as mechanics in Fort Belvoir, VA, from 1950 -1952. He was employed at International Harvester, Victor Gasket (later Dana Corp.), and F.D. Farnham Co. before founding Tecmar, Inc. in 1970, a firm that represented original equipment manufacturers, which he led for over 35 years. His avocations were restoring old homes, repairing cars and dairy farming. In the early 70s, he bought an abandoned Queen Anne Victorian mansion overlooking the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, WI, without indoor plumbing and, with the help of Agnes and the children on weekend working visits, had it outfitted for his family's full-time arrival within three months. This was only one of his many substantial home renovation (and several staircase reversal) projects. Over the years, he and his family enjoyed working trips to his dairy farms in Southwestern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. He was particularly supportive of the families who farmed his acreage, milked the cows and became his friends. He is mourned by his wife, Agnes; children, Mary Prindiville (James Phillips) of Wilmette, Jim (Mary Ellen) of Woodstock, IL, Pat (Jerry) Fuller of Evanston, Kathleen (John) Acott of Northfield, Frances (Ken) Hopps of Winnetka, Anne Prindiville of Wilmette, and Elizabeth (Christian) Dahlen of Palo Alto, California; grandchildren, Bridget (Kári) Ragnarsson, Peter Prindiville, Ken, Kevin and Jack Fuller, Thomas, Francis, Tierney, Joseph, Shea, Lewis and Lila Acott, Byron, Madeline and Kathleen Hopps, Alicetierney, Paul and Louise Prindiville-Porto, and Kastania and Sabrina Dahlen; great-grandchildren, Freyja and Patrek Ragnarsson; siblings, William (the late Jane), Margaret Bowers, the late Marie (Henry) Kay, Robert (Kathleen), and Patricia (Thomas) Nelson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral mass was held on June 21 at Saints Faith Hope and Charity Catholic Parish, 191 Linden Street, Winnetka 60093 where Jim and Agnes have been active members of the parish for over 40 years. Rachel Barton Pine performed "Meditation from Thais," a violin solo with piano accompaniment by Christian Stirling. DaRell Haynes was the soloist, Reverend Martin O'Donovan was the celebrant and Roger Mullaney the deacon. All of Jim's children and grandchildren had an active role in the funeral mass. A graveside service at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston included U.S. military honors and a bagpiper. A reception followed at the Prindiville home in Kenilworth. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts of remembrance be sent to the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, PO Box 1064, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or The Haymarket Foundation, 932 West Washington, Chicago, IL 60607.