James Brendan "Jim" Penny

James Brendan Penny, known to his loved ones as Jim, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on January 28 2024, in Schaumburg, IL. He was born on July 31, 1933, in Dublin, Ireland, in the Cabra neighborhood. Jim was a remarkable individual with a rich and diverse life.

At the age of 13, Jim received his leaving certificate from the Christian Brothers School and began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and even sold fresh eggs after raising chickens in his backyard. Jim eventually immigrated to Canada with his brother Louis, where he worked in ironwork before moving to the United States with his brothers Bill and Louis and their wives.

Jim served in the US Army, where he earned several accolades, including a marksmanship medal and a good conduct medal. He had a knack for collecting hilarious stories during his time in the army, with which he would regale his friends and family for years to come.

Jim was a gifted dancer and it was through dance that he met the love of his life, Noreen Gavin. Together, they built a beautiful family and a fulfilling life. Jim worked as a carpenter throughout his life, while also pursuing other business ventures. He learned TV repair, owned a bicycle shop named Northwest Cyclery on NW Hwy, and even owned a neighborhood pub named the Thrupenny Bit (later renamed the Six Penny). Additionally, he earned his real estate license, showcasing his determination and versatility.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and nephew, Jim was actively involved in his Irish community. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to embrace their Irish heritage by learning Gaeilge, participating in Irish dancing, and playing Gaelic football and hurling. Jim firmly believed that this cultural education was just as important as academic subjects.

Jim was also a dedicated member of his faith community. He joined the Young Catholic Workers of America upon arriving in the United States and later became an active steward at St. Hubert's Church. He served on the building committee and finance committee, always striving to preserve and repair instead of wastefully discarding and replacing fixtures. Jim also participated in Bible study groups later in life.

In addition to his community involvement, Jim volunteered his time for the youth Gaelic football clubs in Chicago and The Irish American Heritage Center. He was a member of various clubs and attended dances and fundraisers for organizations such as the St. Patrick's Fathers, the Roscommon Club, the Galway Fellowship Club, the Mayo Association, and the Dublin Club.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Noreen Gavin Penny, his mother Florence Bigger Penny, his father Rupert (Bobby) Penny, his brothers Desi (Dorothy), Louis (Chrissy), Bill (Lena), Doris (Joe Dunne),and Johnny, as well as his nieces Paula and Marie and his nephew Paul, his uncle Sonny, along with many brothers and sisters-in-law. He will be dearly missed by his older brother George, his children Jimmy (Julie), Michael (Breanne), Sheila (Mike Koch), his grandson Brendan (Kayley), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services to honor and celebrate Jim's life will be held at The Oaks Funeral Home at 1201 Irving Park Rd. Itasca, IL 60143 on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A mass will also be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 2, 2024, at St. Hubert's Church at 729 Grand Canyon St Hoffman Estates, IL 60194.

Jim Penny lived his life with a song in his heart, telling animated stories, and loving deeply. He was fiercely loyal, unfailingly just, and worked tirelessly. His presence will be greatly missed, but his memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.