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James Alter Obituary
James M. Alter, 92; civic leader and long-time resident of Chicago's North Side; Board chair, Friends of the Parks; CEO, The Harry Alter Co.; decorated World War II combat aviator; passed away August 14, 2014. Devoted husband of the late Joanne H. Alter Proud father of Jennifer (Rob Warden), Jonathan (Emily Lazar), Jamie (Michael Lynton), Harrison (DeeDee Dyer) and inspiring grandfather of 11. Memorial service Thursday August 21, 10am, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr. http://www.naturemuseum.org/ In lieu of flowers donations are welcome by WITS, 27 E. Monroe, 60603 http://www.witschicago.org/ and Friends of the Parks, 17 N. State, 60602. http://fotp.org/To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Alter
Gayle Peterson
August 20, 2014
Dear Jennifer, Jonathan, Jamie and Harry,
I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. When I close my eyes, my first memory of your father is the sound of your mom's voice calling him Jimmy. To me, the name fit. He was elegant and earnest, committed and comedic—a Jimmy Stewart, but also Henry Fonda, and Clark Gable rolled into one. He had the ideologue of Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonI and Grapes of Wrath ("Ma, there is a time when a man has to get mad” Tom Joad.) He lived and loved like It Happened One Night.
I see the tenderness and pride on your father's face when he talked about your many accomplishments. I can hear your dad singing your praises in his rewrite of a famous American show tune. His politics were my politics for which I am grateful. His (and your mom's) commitment to changing the world inspired me and countless others. Yet, you are his greatest legacy. I wish I could join you at the service. I am out of the country, but if you listen carefully I will be singing a show tune in his honor.
Thinking of you all,
Gayle Peterson
Susan Hammerman Mocatta
August 20, 2014
Dear All-
greetings from Chamonix, France where i received your sad news from my sister Nancy in Los Angeles..
I have such happy memories of your parents coming to europe and skiing in Val d Isere many years ago..
Both parents were great role models and made a difference to this world.
Best wishes to you all during this sad period
love Susan Hammerman Mocatta
Susan Bragg
August 19, 2014
My condolences on the loss of your father. May the memories you hold dear sustain you during this difficult time. My prayers are with your whole family...may he rest in peace.
Joel Raven
August 19, 2014
My condolences to the Alter family on your loss. I remember Jim as a true gentleman with great warmth, an engaging sense of humor, and a strong commitment to his community.
August 18, 2014
A vibrant and interesting guy. Never at a loss to reoount a good story.
Anat and Guy Rowley
Leslie wood
August 17, 2014
The Harry Alter Co was my first job out of college. Jim was as nice as could be. Bob was great to work for. Loved seeing Harry and Irving come in and keep their pulse on the business. Great first job. Great place to work. I'm sorry for the family's loss.
Hester
August 17, 2014
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father. May the promise of our Lord Jesus comfort the family during this difficult time. He assures us that soon he will wipe away every tear from our eyes and death will be no more.
Sue, Larry and Maggie Yellen
August 17, 2014
Our thoughts are with you all. He was a unique character with a great sense of humor and a passion for justice. We will miss him.
Love, Sue, Larry, Maggie and Wilfredo (Jim's furry friend...)
Janina Schneider-Bertucci
August 17, 2014
My condolences to the entire Alter family.
Lauren Zimmerman
August 17, 2014
May his light shine in memory and hearts forever.
August 16, 2014
So saddened to hear of Jim's death. We are so privileged to have known him and called him a friend. May his name be for a blessing. Sending heartfelt condolences to you all with warm hugs and love, Janet Fisher
August 16, 2014
What a remarkable man. Those of you who knew and loved him are in my thoughts. Dolores Kennedy
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