James C. Tielke

James C. Tielke, a longtime Lake County resident, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at the age of 94. Born to Joseph and Catherine Tielke and raised in Yankton, South Dakota, Jim learned the value of hard work and dedication early on as a full partner in his family's car dealership.
That same dedication defined his life. After meeting the love of his life, Betty Adams, on a dance floor, they danced through life together as the ultimate duo, always supporting each other along the way. They took their first chance and moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to open their own Studebaker dealership. When success there proved impossible, the family relocated to Vermillion, SD, where Jim earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of South Dakota in just four years while working full time and caring for his family. After graduation, they moved to Illinois, and Jim's career took off.
Jim's career started at Montgomery Ward as an Assistant Buyer. Over the following 21 years, he received 9 promotions and moved up the ranks, reaching the level of Vice President. He left in 1981 to pursue other opportunities in sales, starting with Dupli-Color Products. A few years later he was named President of Black Leaf Chemical. Finally, he joined Koos, Inc. to sell Safe Step Icemelt, and achieve his greatest success. Throughout his life, his entrepreneurial spirit and natural knack for fixing anything brought him great achievement and satisfaction. Jim retired in 1997, though he continued to work part-time as a business consultant. Additionally, Betty's recent diagnosis of COPD meant she was going to need more of his help. For the next nine and a half years, he selflessly dedicated himself to her care, ensuring she lived with dignity. A devoted Catholic, Jim's faith guided him through life's challenges. After Betty's passing, his faith deepened, and he joined several ministries at St. Joseph Church. First, he became a Minister of Care at Condell Hospital, then a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Monday Morning Banker's group, counting the weekly collections. He made many friendships, always willing to lend a hand and offer sound advice. Jim was an avid traveler, taking many cross-country road trips with his family in their camper, visiting national parks, and later, expanding his travels to include holy sites like the Vatican, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, and the Holy Land.
Jim remained active well into his 90s, walking three miles every day. He had a lifelong passion for cars and could identify any model year at a glance. He will be remembered for his kind heart, loving nature, and for using his many talents to help others and make the world a better place. He will be dearly missed.
Jim is survived by his children, PJ, Michael, and Dawn; his grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas (Megan), and Mitchell (Kassadie); his great-grandchildren, Hunter, Carter, Hayes, and Paxton; and many adored nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty; his parents; and his siblings, Marvin, Lorraine, and Vincent.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at McMurrough Funeral Chapel and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Friday, August 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville. A Funeral Mass will follow at the church at 10:30 a.m., with interment at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville. For more information, please call (847) 362-2626.
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