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BORN
1952
DIED
2013
James Liptak Obituary
He was born Oct. 19, 1952, in Cicero, to Joseph and Melania Liptak. Jimmy received a bachelor's degree in special education, a master's degree in environmental education, and while earning a second master's in nutrition at the Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash., met his wife and the love of his life, Rachel Keim.
Jimmy spent his first 30 Years living and working in the Chicago area, where along with a little help from his friends, he started a non-profit organization called Horizon, to help people with muscular dystrophy and other pervasive health challenges. Horizon continues its good works to this day. Jimmy worked with kids in Chicago, Kauai, Seattle, and most recently ran an alternative program for high school students in South Windsor, Conn.
He was a gentle, hard working man who willingly gave of himself to others. He helped students find their personal strengths and had a knack for making the everyday extraordinary and sharing his enthusiasm for life. He always brought to the table the lessons he had learned from his service to others.
Jimmy is greatly missed by many, especially his wife Rachel Keim, his children Riley and Alayna Liptak and Johannah Nagy, and his kids from his many years of teaching. His family is grateful to be surrounded by the outpouring of warmth from all of those whose lives he touched.
Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, in Chicago.
Donations in his remembrance can be made to Second Chance Ranch, P.O. Box 452, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Memories can be found at Jimmyliptak.blogspot.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
Memories and Condolences
for James Liptak
12 Entries
Mark Bolton
June 23, 2024
It´s a funny world we live in. I thought of Cicero this morning and in Googling him came across this very sad news. Jim was my co-Resident Hall Advisor on the 5th floor in Higgins Hall at WIU. He was also a co-sponsor with me of a trio of brothers in the Macomb Big Brother program. I still have photos of this great group of young men and boys. Jim came to my wedding as well. My condolences to Jim´s family. I know it´s been a while since his passing but I am sure the memories of his positive life and contributions to you and the world are heartening.
Mark Bolton
Sam Bisson
October 14, 2022
I still think about you all the time Jimmy
Kellie Rule
July 28, 2016
Jimmy, I am just hearing of your passing due to me moving to Florida.. I am in tears right now as I write this.... I cannot believe you are gone!! You were always so funny, outgoing and happy!! I will never forget you or what you did for me!! I love you, rest easy buddy, forever a inspiration in my life xoxoxx
June 22, 2015
I am seeing this just now...."Cicero" as he was known at Western Ill. Univ. was one of the finest people I've ever known. He was involved with the Big Brother program in Macomb, and often solicited our help on his wild adventures. The last time I saw him was while traveling through Washington. I tried to look him up a while back, with no success. I wish I had known he was in Chicago...there would have been many people who would have dropped everything to come and say hello. Prayers are with the family.
Mark Ottenfeld
Barbara Accetturo
October 20, 2014
I am now just hearing about your passing :( my prayers to your beautiful family. Jimmy was one of my most favorite teachers that ever walked this Earth! His classes were so much fun and very entertaining lol I have and will always remember his great big smile and awesome personality!!!
Barbara (Peterman) Accetturo
Scriber Lake High School, class of 1996
Lynnwood, WA.
May 29, 2014
Brother Jimmy: The news of your passing is as sad a day as I can remember. Man, we had some great, great times at George Williams College and especially during our summer at Mt. Rainier. You are my best role model on how to live life fully. I love you,
Willy
Jennifer Browne
January 24, 2014
Jimmy was the perfect man for the job he had and I know he must have had tough days that probably kept him up at night, but I also know he must have taken great joy in seeing his students evolve and succeed. What it must have been like for him to watch his students grow, knowing he was a part of it. We as parents also had conversations with him and I always left feeling better than when I walked in. He will be greatly missed especially by his family, but also his students past and present, coworkers and friends. It will take someone very special to fill his shoes.
brenden browne
January 24, 2014
this is brenden browne .i was a student of jimmys in south windsor i grad. 6years ago but never stopped going to visit jimmy at p.e.p he what by far the best teacher i ever had through out all my school years . he was more then just a teacher to me he was a friend an helped me all the way through highschool an to speak honestly without him i wouldnt of made it through high school.jimmy you will never be forgottin you will always be lookin down . you will be greatly missed by alot of people expecally me.
January 6, 2014
Dear Rachel and family,
Our thoughts are with you all
Natasha and Richard
David Morrow
December 29, 2013
Jimmy was kind enough to let me work closely with his students at South Windsor while I did my internship. He was a great mentor, a fantastic teacher, and an all around great guy. The world needs more folks with Jimmy's heart to work in our schools. I'm so sad to hear he's gone, but his heartfelt influence is still out there in the world thanks to all the lives he touched.
Marie Harnois
December 29, 2013
Jimmy we appreciated all you did with the students.... You are a precious soul & will be missed so much.... Blessing to all your family??
December 28, 2013
Rachel & family,
So sorry to hear about your husbands passing. My thought are with you. Take care. Jean Woods
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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