James Paul Onan

James Paul Onan (85) began his life's adventure on Sept 25, 1937. Jim was raised at 517 Oak Street in Waukegan IL. Jim graduated from Waukegan High School in 1955. He turned down going to college to start his first Step and Sidewalk paving business. In 1960 joined the Army Reserves and served in the Engineering Battalion as a Heavy Engineer Contractor. On January, 16th 1960 he married the love of his life Linda.
He started his family in Zion, Il. Jim was known for the one who built the Gold Pyramid House in Wadsworth Il and moved his family there in 1982. He enjoyed testing theories of science and Energy. He soon jumped on the theories that Pyramid generate their own energy in the 70's. He became one of the leading people towards pyramid power. He was involved with the Ancient Astronaut Society (now known as the Ancient Aliens) Jim also was a silent partner to the Ancient America magazine. He started his own Garage business and hired his brothers to work with him. He loved having all his family to work with him. He had two slogans "No Body, but nooooo body can beat the price of an Onan Garage" and "if it's not good enough to go in my backyard, its not good enough to go in yours."
Jim loved seeing people have fun. Everything he did was for others to enjoy. He loved to travel, fish, play chess, play cards and play cribbage. He was always the life of the party, with his jokes or magic tricks or even, just his stories. He had a passion for the unknown, history and of course, Pyramids. He usually can be found every evening relaxing in front of a good documentary while he writes on a yellow note pad of thoughts for his future projects. Businesses that he did accomplish; Several hotels, some with theme rooms, a fast food restaurant that served heathy spaghetti, and a glow in the dark mini golf and party place. He worked hard on a few that didn't break ground; The worlds largest water park, The worlds largest War Memorial, which he was willing to sell his own house to help finance it. He even went in front of the United Nations to get support of his largest project, Whole world trade mall. Jim devoted his life to service and happiness of others. He was generous towards the less fortunate, the church, the military and the 1st responders. Though he was busy, he still made time and attended every Sunday Mass. His favorite verse was Acts 20.35 "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
Jim passed away comfortably and peacefully at his new residence, with his love of his life, Linda of 63 years, in Bristol WI. He is survived by his wife Linda and their children James A Onan, John F Onan, Joseph (Loretta) Onan, Gina (Kelly) Patire-Onan and Thomas Rocko (Jeanne) Onan. He was a beloved Papa to Johnny, Jared, Anthony, Ashli, Gregory, Emily, Ethan and Lucas Onan. Kasi and Kelsi Goshinsky, and great grand children, Kali and Sawyer Onan. Jim was the youngest of 4 boys born into the Armenian family of Thomas Herman and Ashen C Onan. Jim is only survived by his brother Tom (Harriet) Onan. Jim was preceded in death by brother John (Eloise)Onan and Jerry Onan. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews, Cynthia (Thomas) Cramer, Robert (Amy) Onan, Deborah (Dominic) Vivona and Mary (John) Lohmann.
His memorial service with Military Honors will be at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, 408 N Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm till time of service at the funeral home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com