James E. Monroe

James E. Monroe, a longtime resident of Lake Forest, IL, passed away on October 10, 2025, at the age of 74.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Taylor (née Morgan); his 3 children, Elizabeth (David) Schardt, Jameson (Lauren) Monroe, and Carolyn Monroe; his 4 grandchildren, Brandon, Ian, Morgan, and Colin; his sisters, Kathleen (the late Barry) Bolz and Patricia (Michael) Daly; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, James F. Monroe and Betty C. Monroe, and sister, Susan (Donald) Ericson.
Jim was born on December 1, 1950, in Chicago, IL. He proudly served in the U.S. Army working in Intelligence and Operations while stationed in Ethiopia and, as a veteran, was a member of the American Legion. He graduated from Bartlett High School, attended the University of Maryland, and then furthered his education by obtaining certificates in HR Management & Analytics from University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Organizational Leadership from Harvard University. Jim spent his corporate career in Operations, General Management, Human Resources, and HR Information Systems. He had a passion for solving complex problems, optimizing processes, working with computer systems, and developing computer software.
Jim was a life-long supporter of the Chicago Cubs and loved the game of golf. In his youth, Jim enjoyed exploring 300 acres of forest, swamp, and prairie in Bartlett, IL and spending summers at his grandparent's house in Leland, MI. As an adult, Jim enjoyed quality time with his wife and family, traveling, trying his luck at the lottery, playing guitar, and kayaking in Lake Michigan.
He was a man of exemplary character, a devoted husband, and a loving father to his children and "Papa" to his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A special thank you to the ICU nurses, doctors, and specialists at Lake Forest Northwestern Hospital for their kindness, compassion, and care of Jim and his family during this difficult time.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest, IL on November 8, 2025, at 10:00 am. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/ or the National Scleroderma Foundation at https://scleroderma.org/.
Husband. Father. Papa. Son. Brother. Veteran.
"May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
-An Irish Blessing