James D. Fanthorpe

James Fanthorpe, a long-time Naperville resident, passed away at home on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.
Jim was born on April 2, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to John Gilbert Fanthorpe and Lorraine Alice (Wietz) Fanthorpe. The family moved to Kankakee in the mid-1940s, where Jim graduated from Kankakee High School in 1956. He then attended North Central College in Naperville, graduating in 1960. It was in Naperville where he met the love of his life, Patricia Matekaitis, at the Oswald's Pharmacy soda fountain. Married on January 16, 1960, Jim and Patricia had 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, of whom he was so proud.
Jim spent his entire professional career, from June 1962 until his retirement in October 2004, working for State Farm – first in their claims office in Villa Park, IL before opening his own agency in Naperville. During this time Jim was also an active member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Naperville, Kiwanis Club, and served on the Northern Illinois United Methodist Conference. Jim and Pat were also longtime members of Grace United Methodist Church of Naperville, and later Community United Methodist Church of Naperville, Batavia United Methodist and Trinity Methodist of Yorkville. He was a proud member of the Naperville Municipal Band, playing drums for many years and attending band concerts at the Naperville Band Shell for as long as he was able, and remained an active alumnus at North Central, attending many football games and events.
Outside of work and church, Jim loved spending time with his family, attending as many of his children's (and then grandchildren's) sporting events, concerts and plays as possible. He was a life-long die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, rarely missing listening to or watching their ballgames – sometimes at the same time. He loved cajun grouper sandwiches and the occasional Kahula Colada while spending time at his home away from home, St. Pete Beach, FL. He wanted nothing more than to be close to the water and spent countless days puttering around Geneva Lake in Wisconsin with Pat on their boat, only stopping for a bite at their favorite spot, Gordy's. He played a mean racquetball, and was always ready with a well-rehearsed dad-joke. But most of all, he loved his family, and he will be missed by all of us forever.
Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia, children - John Fanthorpe (Amber) of Zeeland, MI, Michael Fanthorpe (Debbie) of Naperville, IL, Jill Curotto of St. Petersburg, FL, Wendy Curcio (Tony) of Naperville, IL, Thomas Fanthorpe (Stephanie) of Alpharetta, GA, David Fanthorpe (Stephanie) of North Aurora, IL, Jennifer Gallagher (David) of Naperville, IL and Daniel Fanthorpe (Catherine) of Naperville, IL, grandchildren - Stefan Fanthorpe (Megan), Nick Fanthorpe (Erin), Aaron Fanthorpe (Lisa), Sam Fanthorpe, Jake Fanthorpe (Kelly), Simon Fanthorpe, Caitlyn Kerr (Joey), Joey Curotto (Kelsey), Hailey Curcio, Emma Curcio, Carson Fanthorpe, Liam Gallagher, Kate Gallagher, Bryce Fanthorpe, Camden Fanthorpe, Jack Gallagher, Alex Fanthorpe, Claire Gallagher, June Fanthorpe and Avett Fanthorpe, and great-grandchildren - Wells Fanthorpe, Henry Fanthorpe, Jordan Kerr and Miles Fanthorpe, with a 5th great-grandson, Joey Curotto, on the way. Jim is also survived by brother, Robert Fanthorpe (Diane) of Atlanta, GA, as well as several nieces and a nephew.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Lorraine Fanthorpe, sister, Judith Fanthorpe, and in-laws Walter and Beatrice Matekaitis.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 9am to 11:30am at Koten Chapel on the North Central College campus with service to immediately follow.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to North Central College, 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville, IL 60540 or the American Heart Association, 300 S. riverside Plaza, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606.