James W. Vlcek

Jim Vlcek, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, co-worker, neighbor, and friend passed away on October 19, 2025 after a valiant battle against an aggressive cancer. His unwavering devotion to his family, good nature, and passion for life will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He was his family's north star, constant, and guiding light.

Born on March 13, 1960 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Jim lived a loving childhood surrounded by his four siblings John, Ron, Tom (Margie King), and Karen (Jeff Murrill) and mother (Marilyn) and father (Jack); both of whom preceded him in death. He had the good fortune to meet his best friend and "favorite childhood toy", Larry Knaack, at the age of 4 just three doors down from his home. They have remained life-long companions, confidantes, and brothers.

A 1978 graduate of William Fremd High School, Jim met his soul mate, Laurie (Wagher), at the age of 16 as fellow employees at McDade's Department Store. He adored her and their love story throughout each of their 45 years of marriage. Through marriage he gained four sisters-in-law Charmaine (Glass), Julie (Ray), Kathleen (Macke), and Bonnie( Alcaro) and his special friendship with his mother-in-law (Carol) and Father-in-law (George). Together, he and Laurie built a profoundly genuine, loving, and close-knit family in their home of 44 years in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Jim indeed did literally build their home, by-hand, and remodeled it several times over. Forever a man on the move, Jim enjoyed home projects, trips to hardware stores, and took special pride in his plants, yard, and garden.

Jim was a devoted father to his three children, Carrie (David Jodelka), Brian, and Kevin (Sarah Clem). He talked to his children daily and remained their biggest fan until his last breath. Even after long days at work, he always offered to play catch or talk about the minutiae of the day. He was a coach of many soccer and baseball teams for his children and children in the community. Jim is remembered as a "favorite dad" to many as he could be counted on to lend an ear and understanding smile. He is further remembered as a "favorite uncle" of his many nieces and nephews for whom he always extended his hospitality, love, handy-man knowledge, and a joke. Jim was a "favorite human" of his four-legged family member, Kona, with whom he took multiple walks a day around the neighborhood and always snuck her a smidge of cream cheese.

Jim retired in 2017 from the Village of Palatine Public Works Department where he worked tirelessly for 39 years in the Utilities Department and as a plow truck driver. He loved his job and was always the first to arrive each morning. He made many life-long friends with his coworkers and despite laboring long hours and long nights felt he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did. Jim could recite the address and intersection of every major water main break and project he worked on during his tenure. He was a champion snow plow rodeo driver and found the late night rides clearing the streets of Palatine peaceful and pleasant when accompanied by his favorite Christmas tunes. Even in retirement, he enjoyed phone calls from co-workers seeking his wisdom and consultation on the goings on at "the PW".

A life-long learner, taking interests in electronics, welding, HVAC, space flight and film, Jim proudly graduated from William Rainey Harper College.

His great heartbreak was his inability to see his late-in-life best friends, his grandchildren Penny and Jimmy, blossom into adulthood. Together, they were partners for every board game, ice cream run, and rocket launch. They called him to talk about their days, worries, and woes and he always, always answered their calls with excitement. He believed they were the rightful recipients of regular gifts of "cute money". He was crushed to know that his newest grandson, Miles, born three short weeks before his death, would miss out on his undying devotion and love which surely he is most deserving.

He was a brilliant man who enjoyed bowling, painting, puzzles, story-telling, and especially Christmas. He loved to garbage pick and garage sale so he could tinker to bring discarded items back to life. Jim was generous with his money and time. A friend to all, he had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and wonderful. He perennially thought everyone was "looking good" and had recently lost some weight. He never met a stranger he could not make a friend through his charms.

He loved his life and was heart broken to see it come to an end.

A wake will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 from 10am - 2pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home at 185 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine, Illinois. The family welcomes everyone to pay their respects and share wonderful memories during this time. A brief ceremony will be held at 1:30pm to pay final respects.

If you would like to make a donation in Jim's memory, he enjoyed and benefited from Northwestern Medicines Living Well Cancer Resources Warrenville.