Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Donald McNamara
James Donald McNamara
Obituary
Guest Book
James McNamara Obituary
Jim was born on March 28, 1944, to Dr. Donald and Dorothy (Fawcett) McNamara. He married Sharon Fleege on April 6, 1968. She survives.
He is also survived by his three children, Colleen (Jason) Rahn, Michael (Kristin) McNamara and Maureen (Sam) Wilson; nine grandchildren, Bobby (Sarah), Brandon, Ethan, Katie, Monica, Isabel, Dane, Liam and Finnley; one greatgrandchild, Oliver and two sisters, Martha (Jack) and Ellen (Dick).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim was an Army Vietnam Veteran and continued to serve in the United States Army for 38 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He graduated with a bachelor's degrees in Sociology from Illinois State University.
He worked in the Illinois Department of Human Resources from 1976 to 2003 and retired as a manager.
Jim volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank, Faith in Action, Recycling Furniture for Families, Holy Trinity Church, TEC, Cursillo, Catholic Charities Board, Just Faith Facilitator, Habitat for Humanity, Safe Harbor Homeless Art Project, St. Vincent DePaul Home Visitor and the Fuller Center in El Salvador for many years. He also spent two years volunteer teaching in Namibia Africa. He traveled all over the world with his wife and checked off everything from his bucket list.
Jim lived his life for his family and his God, always putting others before himself.
His funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday March 1, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bloomington. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11.
Graveside service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Midwest Food Bank, 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal, Illinois 61761.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lori Evans
May 13, 2023
I just found out today Jim left this world. I wish I'd known. I worked for and with him for many years and even met up a couple times after he retired. The best boss out of a dozen I ever had. He was a friend. My deepest sympathies Sharon.
Mary Wurth
April 1, 2023
Dear Sharon and family,
We will miss Jim's smiles and friendly conversations at church and Jewel. He always made our family feel welcomed. Jim was one of those people you knew was a good person the moment you met him. He had a kindness and sincerity about him that you don't find often when meeting people. We will pray for peace to your family.
With deep sympathy,
The Wurth Family
(Justin, Mary, Leo, and Ellie)
LULA F ZIMMERMANN
March 11, 2023
So, sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by me. I will remember him forever as one of my friendliest clients.
Jon Eggleston
March 10, 2023
RIP, Jim.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Zack Campbell
March 4, 2023
Jim was always such a kind, wonderful individual. It was an absolute pleasure to see and talk with Jim when he would stop by Jewel in the mornings to collect our donation boxes for MFB. I'll always remember his wonderful sense of humor and him accidentally setting off our receiving door alarms on occasion... Always cracked me up so much! Thank you for being a source of light, encouragement and support for when there were hard days, he always cheered me up. You will be greatly missed Jim. Condolences to Sharon and the McNamara family.
Dick/ Catalina Drew
March 3, 2023
He and Sharon are an inspiration to all of us. A life well lived. Thank you for all you have done and now you are in heaven.
Feli Sebastian
February 28, 2023
Jim, you will be greatly missed. I thank God for you and everything you´ve done to make our community a better place to live. Your compassion, kindness, generosity, and gentleness will always be remembered.
I will never forget how much you loved and cared for Sharon. You, two are my model couple.
Rest forever in God´s embrace!
Hugs and prayers for Sharon and family.
Roger Clemmons
February 28, 2023
Condolences to Sharon and the entire McNamara family on the loss of Jim. My connection with Jim centered around Recycling Furniture for Families for many years. Jim was friendly, helpful, and a real treasure to know and work with on projects. He will be missed greatly by all those who were blessed to know him. God Bless the family and friends in this time of loss.
Jeff B.
February 28, 2023
I also worked with Jim when I subbed as a helper on the grocery run for Midwest Food Bank. He had a great sense of humor along with his devotion to helping others. A very good man who will be missed.
Rock
February 28, 2023
What a great Christian man! I had the honor of helping him with Grocery Run for Midwest Food Bank every Wednesday and Friday morning! Truly a blessed man
Libby purlee
February 27, 2023
I'm so sorry. I will miss him picking up our donations at Krogers. My prayers are with all of you.
Carl & Julie Willy
February 26, 2023
Jim was a great guy- great friend. He will be deeply missed. Carl & Julie Willy
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
1800 Eastland Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704
Make a Donation
in James McNamara's name
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 McNamara'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
