James Edmund Sobkoviak

James Edmund Sobkoviak
Born: November 9, 1943
Died: October 26, 2022
Age 78 years, Jim entered eternal life on October 26, 2022 at his home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born to Edmund and Eleanora (née Priem) Sobkoviak on November 9, 1943, in Santa Monica, CA. He spent his early years in Culver City, CA, and Weyerhauser, WI, before moving to the Chicago area. He grew up and spent his formative years in Bellwood, IL.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of almost 57 years, Shirley (née Guerard) Sobkoviak; his loving son and daughter-in-law, Robert (Christine) Sobkoviak of New Lenox, IL; his loving daughter and son-in-law, Patricia( Michael) Sullivan of Orland Park, IL; his five cherished grandsons, Alec and John Sobkoviak of Boulder, CO; James Sullivan of Orland Park, IL; Jonathan Dutka of Seattle, WA; Griffin Dutka of New Lenox, IL; his three precious granddaughters, Caroline Dutka of Schaumburg, IL; Isabelle Dutka of Norfolk,VA; and Genevieve Dutka of New Lenox, IL; his loving brother, David (Anita, nee Howard) Sobkoviak of New Lenox, IL. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, plus, his lifetime friend, Allan Roysdon of Wisconsin, also survive him.
Jim was preceded in death by an infant son, Eric Michael Sobkoviak; his mother, Eleanora, and father, Edmund; his brother, Thomas Sobkoviak and sister-in-law, (Moira (née Lawless) Sobkoviak; his father-in-law, Basil Guerard and mother-in-law, Alice (nee Ducat) Guerard; and his sister-in-law, Kathleen (née Guerard) Lambertino).
Jim was a graduate of Proviso West High School, DeVry Institute of Technology, Joliet Junior College, and Lewis University. During his working career, he worked for several "big board" companies as an electronics technician, product and manufacturing engineer, and project manager.
In 1963, Jim met Shirley, his best friend and the love of his life. They were married in November, 1965. A few months later, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following extensive training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, he was assigned to the U.S. Calibration Agency in Germany. Jim and Shirley lived in Germany for a year where their first son, Robert, was born. Jim was honorably discharged in August, 1968. Shortly after returning to the U.S., a second son, Eric, was born. Eric lived only 3 months, and after his death in 1969, Jim and Shirley relocated to Plainfield, IL. After a year in Plainfield, their daughter, Patricia, was born.
Jim became active in Plainfield Village affairs. For over 30 years, he was a proud member of the Plainfield Plan Commission, the last 25 years of which he served as its Chairman. During his tenure, he saw the Village grow from a small farming community of several thousand residents to its current population of over 40,000 people.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and canoeing. For many years, he traveled with family, friends, neighbors and Boy Scouts to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and Quetico in southern Canada. In later years, when portages and carrying a canoe became too difficult for him, he planned and carried out a houseboat trip in the Boundary Waters with his son and two of his grandsons.
Jim was a devoted member of St. Mary Immaculate parish in Plainfield, IL for over 53 years, and was an usher for many years at 10:45 a.m. Mass. He was a long-time member of the Plainfield American Legion, Marne Post #13. Hewas also a Little League coach, Boy Scout leader, and Junior Achievement advisor. He loved to tinker with cars and was a very adept "shade tree" mechanic.For many years, he drove "beaters," and it seemed as if he always had a "hood up" or was working underneath an automobile. While still a teenager, Jim became a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and held his call sign, WA9NYO, until he became a "silent key,"
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory to the Plainfield American Legion Post 13 Boys State Program would be appreciated.
Visitation: Thursday, November 3, 2022 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Overman Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 Joliet Rd. Plainfield, IL 60544. Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, IL 60544. According to Jim's wishes, cremation rites will follow. At a future date, inurnment will take place at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery. For more information, please call 815-436-9221 or www.overman-jones.com