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James J. Quinn

FUNERAL HOME

Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. Funeral Service Center - Chicago

6471 N. Northwest Hwy

Chicago, Illinois

James Quinn Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for James J. Quinn
Start: 2021-07-24T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Assumption Church,

James J. Quinn, PHD, 85 yrs. Of Chicago, passed away on July 14th at his home with his loving family by his side. Beloved husband of Audrey nee Delegato for over 62 years. Loving father of Steven (Dodie), James (Cheryl), Colleen Quinn, Eileen (John) Huston and John (Kathy). Proud grandfather of Heidi, Steven, Michael, Marc, Teresita, Gage, Caroleana, John and Dean. Great Grandfather of Bella, Kiki and Bentley. Fond uncle, cousin and friend of many. James was composer and lyricist most well known for "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up" and a guest conductor and soloist of original works performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He was an award-winning composer of works for the theatre, television and the concert stage and was a Professor of Humanities at the Harold Washington College formerly known as the Loop College. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at Assumption Church, 323 W Illinois St., Chicago from 9:00 am until time of Mass at 11:00 am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Assumption Church, The DePaul School of Music or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Dr. Mahta, Dr. Nagar and Dr. Anna for the exceptional care and love they provided to Jim. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Illinois (800) 622-8358.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Quinn

22 Entries

Harry Manfredini

July 5, 2024

Jim Quinn was an inspiration, and then a mentor,
and then a friend. His music had a joy that never
disappointed. I was fortunate to work with him, and delight in our love for music. I thought of him today, and although it is years too late, I wanted to express my feelings for Jim. A solid man, from whom we could all learn, and have learned a lot.

Vicki Young

November 8, 2021

Dr. Quinn was the greatest influence in my life. I was in his extraordinary Humanities classes in 1989-90. I adored how he got even the most disinterested student fired up and engaged. I think Spats was a puppy then. I took every class of his I could. My heart is full of sorrow that this world has lost such a great man. I am also full of joy because I believe that we return to Love. What a celebration it must be in Heaven to have such a beautiful spirit returned Home. Many blessings to Audrey Quinn and to his children. He was so proud of all of you. I can only imagine how much he loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and how much they loved him. I will always be grateful to have had the rare privilege of having a man as outstanding as Dr. Quinn as my Professor.

Thomas & Rhea Cannon Mill Valley, CA

September 15, 2021

very impressive life & accomplishments. As a 'younger cousin' of a large extended Irish-American immigrant, Jim was always a person to admire.

Don Skiba

August 26, 2021

I was surprised and saddened by the death notice of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Back in 1979 I was "Father" Don Skiba and was producer of a religious show on NBC called Gamut. Your dad, John Powers and Mike Nusbaum were all guests while the show was still in production. They invited me to auditions, opening night AND opening night on Broadway. I´m sorry I don´t remember which daughter, but Jim asked me to be involved with her marriage. Jim was a great guy and is up in heaven composing for the angels. My prayers are with you. God bless!

Sarah (Cunnane) Staunton cousin in Ireland

August 7, 2021

Sorry to hear the passing of Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Rest in peace

Marilyn & Gary Rubin

August 3, 2021

Our deepest sympathy to you, Audrey, and your family. You may recall, we´re the couple that sat behind you at the Northwestern University´s football games for many years. We missed you both when you stopped coming. We have the same season tickets and think of you whenever we attend a game.
May Jim´s memory be a blessing.
Love, Marilyn & Gary

Patricia M Cannon

July 31, 2021

Thinking of you at this sad time. Sending love and prayers to all the family. I love listening to the cd Jim gave me. so talented!!

Diana LaMorris

July 24, 2021

Thru Mike and Marilyn, while we were in Spain, I met Jim and Audrey. We were immediately friends, and within days took a road trip thru Portugal together. What a beautiful experience, and such a joy to share with these amazing people. Their views of life and living have been a constant inspiration to me, so full of adventure and fun. They never hesitated to find a new road. My friend, Diego Qui, and his lovely Lady, Audrey, have shown us love and light and how to have an extraordinary life. God Bless! You will be missed.

Love Laura and Dave Robert's

Sent Flowers

Margaret and Tony Togher

July 23, 2021

So sorry to hear the news of Jim´s passing.
Audrey our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Cousin Margaret. London.

Kathy & Mike Boyle (cousin, London, UK)

July 23, 2021

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sincere condolences to all the family and friends. Rest in Peace Jim xx

Margaret McNamara Heidegger

July 20, 2021

I was sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Quinn. It´s been almost 5 decades since I grew up with the Quinn family on Homan Ave, but I still have fond memories of Mr. Quinn. I remember seeing him play the piano in the `front room´ often. I also remember him playing volleyball in the alley (one side of the net tied to a garage, the other side Farmer Martin´s fence maybe?) with the older kids on the block on summer nights. And I´m sure, like all the parents on that block, he kept an eye out for everyone´s kids. But I think the thing I remember most is that Mr. Quinn was the first to notice the upstairs of McGowan´s (next door neighbors) house on fire, jumped the fence and alerted everyone in the house (luckily no injuries and minimal damage). I believe it was moon landing weekend....and I´ve told that story more than once over the years.

My condolences to Mrs. Quinn, Steven, Jimmy, Colleen, Eileen and John. May the dearly departed Rest In Peace.

Margaret McNamara Heidegger

The Lyon Family

Sent Flowers

Kathy Cunningham

July 19, 2021

I will always think of Jim Quinn as "Diego Qui." I met him, and Audrey, in Spain thanks to Mike and Marilyn Parfenoff who hosted us all, including Diana Eason, in Los Alamos, Spain. My goodness, we had a great time and I was always happy for subsequent celebrations that included the Quinns. I'll always think of him as "Diego Qui" who played a video game with family members (Yes? Am I remembering this correctly?) while using the name Diego Quinn....a bit too long, so shortened to "Diego Qui," which is kind of perfect. He was an inspiration and a joy. Love and light to his family and other friends. The last time I saw Audrey and Jim, they were sitting right behind me at a Broadway in Chicago production...can't remember right now what it was...because the nearness of Jim and Audrey meant so much more to me than what was on stage.

Kathy Cunningham

Sent Flowers

Mary(Hunter)Friemoth

July 19, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Therese Houlihan O'Neil

July 18, 2021

Good friends since high school. Godmother to Eileen. Prayers are sent from 30 friends of Loretto High School.

Noreen Collins

July 18, 2021

Dr. Quinn was my teacher at Loop College... He was a great teacher and I will never forget him....The class was standing room only as everyone wanted to hear him teach..... He made his mark in this world... Rest in peace Dr. Quinn..

Marcia Formoso Carlson (cousin)

July 18, 2021

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. As what happens to all large families, we lose touch with each other as we get older. I will remember Jim's smile and kindness always. My prayers and condolences go out to Audrey and family.

Tom & Sally Cunnane

July 18, 2021

Was very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Cousin Tom ( UK )

Martin Coyle (cousin) London UK.

July 18, 2021

So sorry to hear of jim's passing condolence to all the family. Martin Coyle (cousin) in London England.

Desiree

July 17, 2021

Sending love to all of the Quinn family, whom I considered my second family, especially during Eileen's and my college years. I have so many fond memories of time spent with you all, and always encouraging Dr. Quinn to play the piano for me. He was never one to say no to that request, and I loved listening to every note he played! He was always excited to share about a new piece he may be working on, and I could have spent hours just watching and listening to him. I love you all, and am so glad Dr. Quinn is resting in peace. Picturing him in heaven is a lovely thought, though I know it doesn't take away from the heartache of missing such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law. He was certainly one of the best people I have had the privilege of knowing, admiring and loving. I thank him and Mrs. Quinn for giving me Eileen, my dearest friend ever.

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