James F Capek Jr.

James F. Capek Jr (Jim) passed away peacefully with family at his side on January 9, 2025 after an acute exacerbation of a chronic illness. He was born in Chicago, grew up in Berwyn and raised his family in Morton Grove and Niles. He is survived by his 5 children, Deborah (nee Capek, Graef) Boylan (William), Linda Lammersfeld, James F. Capek III (Mary nee Lange), Karen Capek, Glen Capek (Susan Crowley), 11 grandchildren : Elizabeth (Barry) Klassy, Sarah Graef, Jessica Capek, Katrine (Ben) Franzen, Johnny Lammersfeld, James F Capek IV, Michael (Abigail) Lammersfeld, Justin (Heather nee Horne) Pascoe, Jasmin Pascoe, Rose Capek, Lauren Capek, 4 Great-grandchildren Paige Klassy, Taylor Klassy, Eli Pascoe and Levi Franzen, Significant other Betty Eastman, Cousin, Uncle and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Gloria (nee Wiegand) Capek, his brother and sister-in-law Ronald (Mary Ann Mitiu-Capek) Capek. Parents James F. Capek Sr. and Lillian (nee Jerousek) Capek.
Jim was in the army from 1954-1956, stationed in Garmisch, Germany. There he played baseball and was a radio operator. When his unit was shipped out he was transferred to another unit so he could stay and play for the team because he was such a good player. His leave time gave him the opportunity to see and photograph many countries in Europe.
Jim and Gloria were married in 1956. They had a wonderful life, and their devotion to each other was always obvious. Living next door to each other in Berwyn, they met at 8 and 6 years old. They grew up going to the same schools with much in common. They did not start dating until Jim was at IIT working on his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Jim asked Gloria to a fraternity party in his junior year. Gloria said yes and they were instantly a couple. Jim and Gloria were engaged in New Jersey a year later as he shipped off to Germany for two years and married about 6 weeks after his return. He was baptized into the Catholic Church while in the Army. Post graduation from IIT, he worked at Teletype in Skokie for his entire career. It was at Teletype (a part of At&T at the time) that he discovered Beep Baseball through the volunteer organization at Teletype called the Pioneers.
There are many words to describe Jim: athlete, detailed, wise, humorous, prankster, energetic, outgoing, storyteller, but most of all the one word that describes Jim, is caring. He cared for everyone, and when someone was in need there he was, whether it was a formal organization, or helping family and friends.
Jim will be remembered for all his volunteer work. He started coaching boys basketball at St. Isaac Jogues School 10 years before he had a son old enough to play. He was active in the Men's club, Holy Name Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, drove people to appointments for American Cancer Society, fostered two troubled young boys in his 60's, coached Blind Beep Baseball for over 20 years, coached some of his children's volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball teams, active in Niles Lions Club (he always collected the most money on candy day), Jim received several service rewards including man of the year (twice) at St. Isaac Jogues, and recognition from the National Beep Baseball Association for many year of service.
Jim also went out of his way to help relatives and friends. He shoveled four neighbors' driveways and cut their lawns for years because they were unable to do their own. Jim has offered emotional and financial support to many. He cared for Gloria's relatives after she passed away including her mother, brother and sister-in -law and her cousin's daughter, and someone he met through St. Vincent de Paul Society with a chronic illness and disabled children.
Betty was his companion/friend/ significant other for over 16 years. They went to concerts, movies, family functions, cross country skiing, baseball games, and all types of other activities. He became an adopted grandpa to Betty's grandchildren. Jim loved the Cubs and was able to go to playoff games in 2016. He and Betty went to many games together. The World Series win was as much his as it was the Cubs.
Jim was adamant that his visitation represent his life. He left specific instructions. Jim loved sports of all kinds, especially baseball and the Cubs. Jim requested that everyone have a celebration of his life at visitation and to please wear their favorite team jersey or logo. Dress for his funeral is traditional.
Everyone who met Jim remembers him. He was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, even for small things. Jim inspired many people with his heart of gold and willingness to help. We will miss him and forever hold him in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, Jim requested living plants or donation to Breast Cancer Research, Gilda's Club, or Cardinal Bernadin Cancer Center at Loyola.
Visitation Monday January 13, 2025 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home 8025 W Golf Road, Niles IL
Funeral Mass at St. Isaac Jogues on Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 10:00 am
Interment following Funeral Mass at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. Luncheon to follow...