James T. Revord

Jim Revord was born in Omaha Nebraska during the Dust Bowl summer in 1934 to John and Vera Revord. The young family moved to St. Paul, where his brother Jack was born, then moved again-to Chicago, Columbus, Ohio and back to Chicago.

Jim enjoyed a childhood of fishing trips, visits to his aunt and uncle's farm in Nebraska, summer camp, and working as a paper boy. He graduated from Loyola Academy in 1952 and went to the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.

In 1954, while at a party, he ran into a girl he hadn't seen since third grade-Patricia (Patty) Kilday. They were a perfect match and married in 1957.

The day after the honeymoon he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and served for three years as the Damage Control and Engineering Officer aboard the USS Neosho, an oil tanker.

Returning to Chicago, he and Patty lived in Des Plaines, then Glenview. They raised six children: Mary Eileen (Paul Schricker), Janie (Peter Calabrese), John (Anita), Tom (Marta), Julie (John Adams), and Patrick (Jackie).

He worked as a mechanical engineer in the commercial HVAC industry for 40 years, many with South Side Control Supply. He was an expert in designing pneumatic temperature control systems and loved his job.

In 1990 Jim was called to become a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Chicago. After three years of attending classes with Patty he was ordained by Cardinal Bernadin in 1993 and they set to work leading faith sharing groups, baptismal preparation, hospital visits, and bereavement ministry. He thrived as a deacon, and delivered countless homilies, baptized hundreds of babies, witnessed many marriages, and crafted many beautiful eulogies.

Jim Revord lived a purposeful and meaningful life. He adored his wife and let her know that every day. He was a natural leader and happy to take charge. He always had something to do and didn't like to sit still. He was an avid Minnesota Gopher football and Cubs baseball fan. He enjoyed a good beer. He valued his friends and worked hard to keep connected to them throughout his life. He was renowned for his incredible ability to remember names, dates, directions, and events. He had a special bond with his brother, and was grateful to be able to live close to him most of his life. He and Patty enjoyed hosting many dinners over the years, but they also reserved a night each week to eat out. He was a generous man who gave his time and treasure freely and happily to many causes and people. And he was a fun Dad, known for pulling sleds behind the car, playing the piano, and laughing hard at Road Runner cartoons. He took incredible joy in being with his family and all the people he loved, and would continuously say how good it was when people were together.

He leaves behind many friends, his wife of 68 years, 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

He was the richest man in town, and will be dearly missed by all.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29 from 2 to 5 pm at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Road, Glenview. Family and Friends will meet for funeral Mass on Monday, March 30 at 10 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview. Live Stream Link. Interment All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, C/O Sr. Paulanne's Needy Family Fund, 1775 Grove St., Glenview, IL 60025 or St. Sabina Social Services, 1210 W 78th Place, Chicago, IL, 60620 (Please enter in memory of James Revord and in memo Social Services)