James F. "Jim" Curry

James F. "Jim" Curry, age 88, of Johnsburg, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 14, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Jim was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on Friday, June 26, 1937, to Charles and Bernetia (Tong) Curry. He was the third of eight children. Jim graduated from Maryville Academy in 1955 and went on to study Psychology at Loyola University. In 1964, he earned his Certificate of Professional Photography from Ray Vogue School of Photography.
On April 23, 1960, he married Mary Ann Page, and together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage.
Jim and Mary Ann met at the Pillsbury Company, where both were employed. Their friendship quickly turned into courtship and then into a loving marriage that stood the test of time. Jim pursued his passion for photography wholeheartedly and spent his career capturing countless breathtaking moments in both commercial and wedding photography. His remarkable eye and ability to preserve life's most meaningful moments earned him well-deserved recognition and admiration. Those who knew his work sought out his talent above all others. Beyond the camera, Jim was a man of many talents. One of his most treasured creations-a 16-foot cedar canoe made of hand-cut pieces, lovingly crafted on his mother's porch-remains a cherished family heirloom. Many unforgettable memories were made tent camping with his family, paddling that very canoe. Jim was also a spectacular cook, whether in the kitchen or at the grill. He tried his hand at winemaking, producing exceptional wines that earned him numerous awards. When his children were young, he taught high school religious education, volunteered countless hours at his children's schools and on field trips, and was always a devoted, hands-on dad. Above all, Jim was a loving husband, father, grandpa, son, and brother. His family meant the world to him. He was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, sons Jim and Tom (Shawn) Curry, daughters Kyle (Philip Short) Larsen, Shaun (Scott) Jones, Christine (Bob) Ward, and Lisa Curry, grandchildren David, Bradley, Danielle, Kimberly, Fiona, Jillian, Julia, Chuck, Paige, and Kelsey, 10 great-grandchildren, brother Charlie (Elaine) Curry-Smithson, sisters Carol (the late Vernon Vogt and the late Bob) Halstead, Sheila (the late Joel) Dillman, Grace (the late John) Blankenberger, Bernetia (Mic) Akin, Lorena (Michael) DeMarco, brother-in-law Ron Gassner, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck Curry; sister, Maureen Gassner.
Donations to Plant a Tree; the Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety; Alzheimer's Foundation at www.alzfdn.org; or Catholic Charities at https://donate.catholiccharititesusa.org would be greatly appreciated by the family.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on a future date closer to Jim and Mary Ann's wedding anniversary next April at Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, 8103 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL.
Interment will take place privately at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.
For additional information, please call the funeral home at 815-675-0550.