James B. Auberry

A Personal Tribute to James Brian Auberry Written with love by Michelle Brunner
My beloved fiancé, James Brian Auberry, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on October 20, 1966, in Aurora, Illinois, James was a man whose heart, humor, and gentle presence changed my life forever. He left this world in Joliet, Illinois, after a sudden Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI), and though my world feels immeasurably empty without him, I hold close the love and memories we created together.
James lived his life with a rare kind of joy, simple, genuine, and contagious. He was the kind of person who could fix anything, especially cars, and he was always the first to offer a helping hand. He loved being outdoors, whether he was fishing, metal detecting, or out searching for arrowheads. One of his proudest moments was finding a 10,000-year-old flint spearhead, a remarkable discovery he eventually sold to Fermilab. The way his eyes lit up whenever he told that story is something I will never forget. In his earlier years, James was an avid bowler, enjoying the camaraderie, competition, and fun that came with every game. He also loved traveling to Florida and spending time near the ocean, feeling at peace with the sand between his toes and the rhythm of the waves and the sunshine, a love that brought him comfort and joy.
Holidays were some of my favorite moments with James. He absolutely loved the 4th of July, Christmas, and Halloween, embracing each one with a childlike excitement that made every season magical. Decorating with him was pure joy, our home would fill with lights, color, and the wonderful smell of James's baking. Those moments, just the two of us laughing and creating beauty together, will stay with me forever.
James found peace in the quiet things too: gardening, being surrounded by nature, or spending time outside with Ruby on his lap and Gracie curled at his feet. Our home was full of warmth and comfort thanks to the love he shared with his cherished pets, Ruby the cat and Gracie the dog. They adored him every bit as much as I did.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Arlene Joyce Auberry, and by his brother Greg. He is survived by his brothers Lee (Mike) Auberry-spouse Nelly, and Keith. He was surrounded by an extended circle of family who loved him dearly: Mike Leeth, Suzette Leeth, Jim Nolan, Annette Nolan, Jay Kiokemeister, Fleurette Kiokemeister, Andrew Talens, Anne Talens, Stephen Spargur, and Amy Spargur. James cherished being an uncle. He is loved by his nephews and nieces: Lee and Daniel, Niki, Matt and Peter Nolan, Britt and Owen Kiokemeister, and Drew and Katie Talens. Each one of them held a special place in his heart, and he carried immense pride in being their uncle.
His love reached beyond his immediate family. His stepdaughter, Allison Metts, and her husband, Tyler, loved him dearly. His granddaughter, Lily Metts, was the joy of his life, one of the brightest lights he ever knew.
For me, James was everything, my partner, my best friend, my home. Loving him was the greatest blessing of my life. He made even ordinary days feel special and filled my world with laughter, adventure, and an unwavering sense of love. He taught me to slow down and appreciate the simple things, to celebrate life boldly, and to love without holding back. Losing him has broken my heart in ways I can't fully express. But I am forever grateful for the time we shared, the memories we built, and the love that will always stay with me. James was generous, curious, thoughtful, and endlessly kind. He made the world brighter and he made my world complete.
James Brian Auberry will forever be the love of my life. May he rest in peace, knowing how deeply he was loved.