James A. Happel

James Allan Happel, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, was called home to his Savior on January 4, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1956, in Elgin to Edmund and Betty (Marolf) Happel.

Jim was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dundee and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard. His faith remained a guiding part of his life, shaping the way he loved, served, and showed up for others.

He was the devoted husband of Janice Happel, with whom he shared 43½ years of marriage. They were married in 1982 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights and built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.

Jim was a proud and loving father to Kristin Happel, Andrew (Megan) Happel, and Carolyn Happel, and a cherished grandfather to Jaxxon and Henrik Happel, who brought him immense joy.

He dedicated 33 years of his career to Scot Forge, where he formed many lifelong friendships. In retirement, Jim could often be found on the golf course with former Scot Forge coworkers, friends from his Lombard childhood, and many others he enjoyed sharing time with on the greens. Golf was more than a hobby, it was time spent connecting with people he cared about.

Jim also loved spending time in Florida, especially during the winter months, enjoying warmer weather and a slower pace away from the Chicago cold.

He was a selfless and giving man, truly the rock of his family. Jim was a wealth of knowledge and always willing to help anyone in need. His generous spirit, steady presence, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Jim was a faithful member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington since 1983. An avid golfer and car enthusiast, he loved his family deeply and lived as an example of strong faith, serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in both word and action.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Betty Happel; his brother, Ronald Happel, and Ronald’s wife, Kathy; and his brothers-in-law, Chuck Taylor and Mark Nordman.

He is survived by his siblings, Donald (Judy) Happel, Jean Taylor, Linda (Myron) Wetzel, Debra (Scott) Snow, and Diane Nordman; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 E. Main St., Barrington. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington, with a visitation to begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be made, if desired, to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington, Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Palatine, or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard.