James Henry

James Donohue Henry, of Hinsdale, Illinois, formerly of Burr Ridge and Westchester, Illinois, passed away peacefully July 8, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Jean (nee Williams); devoted children, Laura (the late B. Michael) Kelly, Patrick (Darla), Katie (Rob) Pender, Peggy (Tim) Halik; and Maureen (Brendan) Clarke; cherished grandchildren Lexie and Braden Henry, Emily and Kara Pender, Teagan and Chase Halik, and Danny and Charlie Zoric, and honorary grandchildren Mike, Kathryn, and Colleen Kelly and Liam, Owen, and Quinn Clarke; his loving brother Patrick J. Henry; and numerous fond nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph E. and Margaret D. Henry and his sister, Joanne H. Lechwar.
Jim was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and lived most of his life in the city's western suburbs. After graduating from Fenwick High School, he attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating in 1956. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Law with a juris doctor degree, became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, and married Jean, the love of his life, in 1959.
Jim served his country in the Navy and Navy Reserve for 22 years, retiring from the service as Lieutenant Commander. Following discharge from active naval duty, he joined Illinois Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T), where he put his law degree to work until he opted for early retirement and opened his private law practice in downtown Hinsdale. After his retirement from private practice, he was a volunteer in the surgical waiting room of Hinsdale Hospital for 12 years. Along with Jean, he was named Volunteer of the Month by the hospital and received Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan's Burr Ridge Citizen of the Year award.
A lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, Jim loved to watch professional, college, and even high school sports, basketball in particular. He was a regular attendee at the winter basketball tournament held at St. Joseph High School in Westchester. He also loved his annual winter month in Arizona, summers with his family at the house in Abbey Springs, Wisconsin, and to travel the world with Jean. He enjoyed his trips to Ireland, Mexico, Italy, France, and China, but his favorite trips were to Egypt and the Holy Land, where he and Jean renewed their wedding vows at Cana in Galilee.
Jim was a longtime parishioner at St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale, and a devoted supporter of St. Ailbe, his grammar school on the South Side. He frequently donated new coats and other supplies, which Sister Katherine distributed to students in need. He loved good company and a good Manhattan. He had an Irishman's gift for storytelling and making strangers feel like long lost friends. Jim's legacy to his family is priceless. He had a good life and his memory will always be treasured.
Jim's family gratefully acknowledges the kindness of the staff of King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge and Angels Grace. The family requests that you consider a donation to "K-B" or to St. Isaac Jogues in lieu of flowers.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 9am until time of Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 4th and Clay St, Hinsdale, IL 60521. Interment private.
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