James David "J.D." Lipa

James David "J.D." Lipa, 61, of New Lenox, IL., former longtime resident of Chicago, IL., reunited with our Lord Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
James was born in 1963, in Brook, IN., to Margaret Goff-Suter and James Lipa.
J.D. grew up in Indiana but later moved to Illinois, where he made his home in Chicago. James served his country in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 1987 then married Linda "Lynn" Zorich in 1991. The couple enjoyed three decades of marriage until Lynn's passing May 24, 2021. In honoring Lynn's wish for him, J.D. kept his promise to her to not live out his life alone and once again fell in love with Christine Ludvik, of New Lenox, IL., where he most recently resided. J.D. joined and is survived by Christine and her children, Valerie (Joel) DeGraaf, and Cam (Mallory) Becker, Jr., whom he was proud to call "the children he never had." The newly formed family enjoyed game nights. His favorite was 'Off to the Races' night, which included a potluck dinner and innocent gambling amongst friends. Also among J.D.'s loved ones were those of a four - legged nature, his "babies," his cats Zach, Little E and Merit. J.D.'s cats were of utmost importance to him. As such, they were moved to the New Lenox home prior to him making the move to ensure their happiness in the new zip code.
J.D. lived a good, spiritual and musical life. He spent younger years in rock bands, such as Jarid Syn which rendered lifelong friends, and later combined his talents and his faith as a member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Chicago. Through the church, J.D. was an active member of The Resurrection Choir, The St. Cecelia Choir, The Schola Choir and The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.
He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, the NRA and was a diehard Chicago Bears fan. He was a season ticket-holder for many years and especially enjoyed cookouts and pre-game parties. As was J.D.'s loving nature and appreciation for family and humanity, also important to him were his work families. From 1988 to 1996, J.D. worked with friends and "family" as a foreman with Accomando Painting & Drywall. He then worked for Folding Guard from 2002 to 2016 when he accepted the position of Director of Manufacturing Operations at the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC). As summed up by a colleague, "Anyone who has worked with or for J.D. is better for their time with him and proud of it.
J.D. was preceded in death by his father, James Lipa; paternal grandparents, Diane (Lipa) Earl and Darnell Earl; maternal grandparents, Daisey and Harvey Goff; Ralph and Irma Suter; stepfather, Art Suter; many aunts and uncles; and close family friends, Catherine and Tony Martin.
In addition to those aforementioned, J.D. is survived by his mother, Margaret Goff-Suter; brothers, Joe
(Sandy) Hopkins; John (Jennifer) Hewitt; a nephew, Christian (Loretta) Elmerick; and nieces, Courtney (Keenan) Lane, Erin (Josh) Simpson, Audra Hewitt, Jeanann (Derek) Dean, great-niece, Primm Dean; and many uncles.
As stated by his brother Joe: "I was so proud of many things from Jim. What stands out to me was that he was our protector and a man of faith with a willingness to serve other people. What more could you ask for in a big brother? Until we see you again" - Isaiah 40:31.
Visitation Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. Family and friends will meet on Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60642 for a 10:00 a.m. Visitation followed by an 11:00 a.m. Tridentine Requiem Mass. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, 1025 W. Fry St., Chicago, IL 60642, www.canons-regular.org OR JARC Training Center – Chicago, 4432 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640, www.jarctraining.org.
For further information please call 312-421-0936.