James Vincent "Jim" McGreal

James (Jim) Vincent McGreal passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024. A Valentine's baby, Jim was born on February 14, 1943, in Chicago, IL, and was a devoted husband to his loving wife, the late Rita Marie (Clancy), for 56 years. They passed away fifty days apart. Together they raised five children: Wendy McGreal (Cheryl Leoni), Brian (Martha) McGreal, Lori McGreal, Matthew McGreal (Colleen Condon), and Johnpaul (Amy) McGreal. He was a cherished grandpa to Megan, Emma, Madison, Allison, Amanda, Camryn, Jack, Joseph, Molly, Ramona, and Patrick. He was a dear brother to Carol (the late Roger) Burke, Barbara (the late James) Phelan, Mary Jean (Michael) Nardulli, Donald (Angela) McGreal, Thomas (Darlene) McGreal, and David (Christine) McGreal, as well as fond uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a great friend to many. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Marie (Clancy) McGreal; his parents, James Joseph and Angeline Veronica (Treacy) McGreal; his brother-in-law, Roger Burke; his brother-in-law, James Phelan; as well as his precious infant granddaughter, Kayla McGreal.
Jim grew up on the south side of Chicago, the second of seven children and, as he liked to say, "mom's favorite". With his mom being a teacher, education was always held in high esteem, and any slacking off was certainly not tolerated. He was a proud graduate of Leo High School and still gathered with classmates attending many alumni events into his later years. Jim was young for his grade but prided himself on consistently putting in hard work to be the best he could be which not only included his academics but his passion for sports as well. A favorite quote was, "If it is to be, it is up to me." Jim was an accomplished runner in high school, a tradition his sons and several of his granddaughters carried on. Jim attended John Carroll University in Ohio where he graduated with a degree in business and several lifelong friends.
Jim cared deeply for his wife and family. Jim was a successful Purchasing Manager, heading that department at several significant companies including Skil, Sunbeam, and D.A. Stuart. He also earned his MBA while working full-time. His late nights studying or catching up on work did not interfere with raising his kids. In addition, he coached basketball at Visitation Catholic School for years, as well as little league baseball, including the powerhouse Orange Crush and seemingly unbeatable Elmhurst A's. There were lists of jobs to be done left on the kitchen table on Saturday mornings and it was assumed, of course, that those jobs would be completed AND that each child would take 500 shots in the backyard basketball court before hanging out with friends. The court was lovingly built by Jim and his friends for the kids and hours of coaching happened on that court. Jim also enjoyed playing sports himself as an adult and was the pitcher on Visitation's Men's Softball Team aptly named, "The Oops". In his retirement years, Jim "enjoyed" golfing, going to the Courts, and having lunch with friends. Some of Jim's fondest memories were times spent with his best friends and their families at Big Sand Lake in Wisconsin.
In Elmhurst, Jim could often be found fixing something in the house, fiddling with some project in the garage, or repairing numerous baseball mitts on the couch. Many a happy hour was spent by Jim watching baseball and football games from the freshly painted deck overlooking Butterfield Park. Jim's values of hard work, love for family, and passion for Chuck Berry and Little Richard, will forever be missed.
Visitation Friday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church 1099 S. York Road, Elmhurst. Funeral service to be celebrated at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made to Visitation Parish Athletics.
For information, 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.