James Harold Ferry

James Harold "Jamie" Ferry, of Mokena passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025 at Northwestern Hospital, Chicago, with his loving family at his side. Born on July 28, 1967, to Thomas and Joan (nee Dahl) Ferry, Jamie's zest for life, and caring spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Jamie's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 36 years, Krissann (nee Espinosa) Ferry; his children, James "J.T." Ferry (fiancée Lauren Pezan) and Jessica (Yessie Esparza) Ferry; his granddaughter Izzibelle VanDyke, siblings Gigi (Jerry) Pitrowski and Tim Ferry. His playful nature will also be greatly missed by his furry companions "Dug", "Mickey", and "Nala", as well as the myriad of backyard animals he cherished. Jamie was preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, Jacob VanDyke; and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Sandra Ferry.
An alumnus of Luther South High School, Jamie furthered his education and was a college graduate. His quest for knowledge continued as he earned several certifications in Information Technology and Management. Jamie dedicated numerous years to Sands before taking a pivotal role as the Senior Manager of IT Operations and Infrastructure at AHEAD, Inc., significantly contributing to the growth and success of these organizations.
Jamie's interests painted a portrait of a man with a deep appreciation for life's diverse pleasures. He was a Chicago Cub's fan and enjoyed taking in those games. His love for gardening bloomed in the form of an oasis that attracted all manner of birds, a testament to his affinity for nature. The world of video games and the imaginative realms of Dungeons and Dragons provided Jamie endless adventure and camaraderie. His passion for all things Disney, from the enchanting parks to the classic films, mirrored the whimsy and wonder he carried within his heart.
His love for animals was profound, finding solace in the natural habitats of Brookfield Zoo and delight in many other zoological parks across the nation. Jamie took pride in his Norwegian heritage and held a nostalgic connection to the farm life of his ancestors.
A Celebration of Life for Jamie will be held after the holidays-an occasion for friends and family to gather, reminisce, and honor a life genuinely well-lived. Jamie's final wish was to leave a lasting mark at one of his favorite sanctuaries, the Brookfield Zoo. In tribute to his memory, a bench will be placed there, inviting others to rest and enjoy the beauty he so cherished. For those wishing to honor Jamie's memory, a GoFundMe has been established to fulfill his last wish and can be found at, https://www.gofundme.com/f/dedicate-a-bench-at-brookfield-zoo-in-memory-of-james-ferry
Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.