James E. "Jim" "Jim" Strnad, Jr. Jr.

GROVELAND – James E. "Jim" Strnad, Jr., 95, of Groveland, a beloved educator and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at his home.

He was born on April 18, 1930, in Berwyn, Illinois, to James E., Sr. and Lillian (Kartek) Strnad. He married Yolanda (Davino) Strnad on October 27, 1962 in Chicago, IL and then Linda Nelson on June 22, 1999, in Groveland, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife, Linda of Groveland; daughter, Antonette Strnad Tobin of Carol Stream, Illinois; two sons; stepdaughter, Heather Coit of Mahomet, Illinois; stepson, Scott Brownfield of Pekin; and grandchildren, Ashley Ann Tobin, Trevor and Aidan Coit and grandsons.

He was preceded in death by Yolanda Strnad, and one sister, Bernadette M. Strnad.

"A good education is giving to the body, mind, and soul, all of the beauty and perfection of which they are capable." (Plato) James E. Strnad was a teacher with this caliber of education. As a graduate of Illinois State University with a B.S. and M.S in Science Education, and 60 hours in the doctoral program, Jim began his teaching career at a small farming community in Tiskilwa, IL. He then taught at Argo Community High School in which he was also a Department Head and then continued to Niles West High School in Skokie, IL for 41 years where he taught AP biology and biochemistry. Jim's classroom #316 chalkboard slogan was "Teens Are Great." The unfailing respect he gave all his students was a testament to that belief. During his long teaching career, Jim taught classes in biology, botany, zoology, and physics. He also taught bio-chemistry and parasitology to nurses at Northwestern University, summer school at Northeastern University and Illinois Wesleyan University. He retired in 1997.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed life at their lakeside home with his wife Linda where he fished from his pontoon boat, explored new interests learning and incorporating Japanese into birthday cards and letters to family and friends, vacationing in Mackinaw Island, cruising to Alaska, and playing the organ while watching the boats and wildlife outside his window. Jim enjoyed learning technology which allowed him to send photo texts and share his life's memories. Each afternoon he went into the kitchen aka "laboratory", put on his apron "the Cook, the Myth, the Legend, to make a nutritious home cooked meal for him and Linda. Jim's favorite way to end the day was to spend the evening with his lovely wife, Linda Marie, while watching their favorite shows and enjoying a slice of pie or a sweet treat.

Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving Fourth Degree Knight and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at Illinois State University. Jim held the ranking of Ranger, Explorer, and Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America in which he was a Scoutmaster alongside his two sons. Jim loved the martial arts and earned money in his younger days on weekends with a black belt ranking in Cobra Kai karate.

James E. Strnad was one of those rare people who just got it. He had a sharp mind and a big heart, always ready to dive into deep conversations or offer a bit of wisdom when you needed it most. Whether he was being a son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, relative, or friend, James brought warmth, insight, and a steady presence to every part of life. He had a way of making people feel heard and understood.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.