James Joseph Tye

James Joseph Tye, 88, of Wheaton, passed away June 15, 2024. Beloved husband of Maria (nee Mota Soares); loving father of Monica (Tom) McQuillan, Daniel (Diane) Tye, and Theresa (Paul) Kocerka; proud grandfather of Vero, Giovanni, Isabella, T.J., Ava, Alice, Henry, Marcus, and Hannah; dear son of the late Edward and Gertrude Tye; fond brother of Edward Tye, Joseph Tye, Catherine Raucci, Marge Tye Zuba and the late Walter Tye.
Jim grew up in a very close, loving family surrounded by a close knit community on the west side of Chicago. He joined the seminary as a teenager, worked on the school newspaper and was nicknamed "Snake" as the captain of the basketball team at St. Joseph Seminary in Westmont, Illinois. On January 19, 1964, at the age of 27, he was ordained as a Catholic Franciscan priest. Father Irvin Tye, O.F.M traveled to Brazil to help support communities living along the Amazon and Tapajós rivers in the state of Pará. For the next six years, Fr. Jaime traveled up and down the river by boat teaching catechism, delivering mass, and creating deeply personal bonds that outlasted his time as a Catholic priest. During his time in Santarem, Jim met his future wife, Maria as she was the principal of the local school, Pedro Alves Cabral. Eventually, Jim's journey as a priest came to an end when he requested formal dispensation from the Catholic Church. Jim returned to Chicago, Maria joined him and they were married on February 15, 1970.
Some of the core values attributed to the Franciscan order include service to others, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, charity, and of course respect and care for all living creatures and the environment. Despite leaving the Franciscan order behind, Jim's personal and professional life for the next 50+ years continued to embody these values. And maybe the biggest legacy he leaves behind is passing along these values to his children and grandchildren. "Peace!" or "Pax" he would often add to his goodbyes and he truly was wishing peace upon you!
Upon return to Chicago, Jim pursued a Master's Degree in Public Health and dedicated the rest of his career to helping those less fortunate, advocating for equal access to quality healthcare. Working for the United States Public Health Service and then as administrator for companies offering Medicaid health insurance, Jim made a profound impact on communities in need. Once retired, Jim continued his passion for studying philosophy and even taught a few Philosophy courses at College of DuPage.
Jim's life was filled with a passion for connecting with people, a zest for life-long learning and acceptance of people just as they are. He always saw the good in people and inspired people to do the same. He had several hobbies including reading, swimming, reciting poetry, storytelling and engaging in thought-provoking conversations often centering on philosophy. Many of these interests he shared with family and thus instilled an appreciation of these things in his children and grandchildren alike. Jim taught his children to swim at the family cottage on Baldwin Lake and loved swimming with his grandchildren as well. He loved spending time outside, appreciating nature and wildlife. Many of his grandchildren learned to fish with Grandpa at Herrick Lake in Wheaton and while they may not be fishing enthusiasts, it was a very special rite of passage and cherished memory for sure!
Jim was a larger than life personality, known for his booming voice, infectious energy and his uncanny ability to speak to anyone and everyone who would listen. He seemed to be knowledgeable about so many different topics and was always looking to learn more. He captivated listeners with his storytelling and he was just an all around fun person to be around! A voracious reader, he loved reading philosophy, poetry, history (often from the point of view of the oppressed), biography and science.
Jim's zest for life and his ability to make others feel included and important will forever be remembered. He was never afraid to be authentically himself, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
In his passing, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. Jim's spirit will live on in the memories of all those who were fortunate enough to know him as Jimmy, Fr. Jaime, Jim, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Jim or Mr.Tye. The silence of his absence is deafening but his legacy lives on in all who were fortunate to know and love him. May his soul find eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's honor to the Wheaton Public Library's Butterfly Wall or Giving Tree to support the Library's Endowment Fund or the Youth Fund. Information can be found here.
Visitation Wednesday June 26, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL. Funeral prayers Thursday 9:15 a.m. at the Funeral Home proceeding to 10 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church 310. S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Services conclude at the church. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016.