James Leo Prew

Age 86 of Shorewood, Illinois, died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Lightways Inpatient Unit in Joliet, Illinois.

Born October 14, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James Leo was a son of Joseph Leo and Helen Teresa (Howe) Prew. He was raised in Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. On September 11, 1965, Jim married Elena “Helen” Iesmantas in Cicero, Illinois and together they first made their home in Chicago before moving to Cicero. Over the years the family relocated to Bolingbrook and Lemont, where he was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served on the Bereavement Team. Following the death of Helen, Jim made his home in Shorewood and became a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Morris, Illinois.

Jim spent his entire career in financial management, working in both the manufacturing and healthcare industries. He had a deep love for nature and the outdoors, enjoyed good food, and was a lifelong fan of Chicago sports. Above all, Jim cherished his family, who were the center of his life and the source of his greatest joy.

Survivors include his two children: Renee Prew of Morris, Illinois and James M. (Lora) Prew of San Diego, California; one sister, Michele (Michael) Colias of Aurora, Illinois and sisters-in-law: Karen Prew of Minneapolis and Kastule Vabalaitis of Lombard, Illinois.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen on May 9, 2024; one brother, John Prew; one sister, Kathleen (Richard) Setterberg and two sisters-in-law: Antanina Mickus and Marija Arstikys.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Jason Stone presiding and Deacon Paul Jung assisting. Inurnment will immediately follow in St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jim’s memory to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto: www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jim’s memorial page online through social media.

Memorial services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)