James Michael Wodrich

James Michael Wodrich ("Woody"), age 62 of Lake Villa, IL, lost his valiant battle with cancer the morning of November 18th, 2025. He was born February 9th, 1963, at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL to Jeanette (Michalak) Wodrich and Leonard Wodrich.
Jim attended Round Lake School District 116 and played football for the Round Lake Panthers. He was affectionately known in our family as a "Hall of Famer", as his team was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. It was at Round Lake High School where he met his wife, Heidi. Together they were married for 39 years and built a beautiful family, including children Kelli, Kim, and Jake, and grandchildren Arlie and Quinn.
Jim was a "Jim"-of-all-trades, proficient in most trades. His work ethic has always been strong, even working 3 jobs at one time, such as bus mechanic, lifeguard, and chicken delivery driver. Later, he worked for State Oil Company, Pasko Screw Company, and the Village of Round Lake Beach.
Jim spent most of his career as a firefighter/paramedic for the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District, beginning in 1990 and serving honorably for 31 years until his retirement in 2021, at which time he was serving as Lieutenant. At the age of 50, Jim achieved his goal of getting his Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science Technology from Lewis University. Not only did he help countless people through his work, but met an incredibly supportive group of coworkers and lifelong friends, as well.
In his spare time, he enjoyed motorcycling, golfing, playing in bags leagues, watching the Chicago Bears & Pittsburgh Steelers, traveling, sipping whiskey and tequila, and working on house projects for himself and his daughters. He loved spending time in the pool and listening to Jimmy Buffett, with a margarita in hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Lawrence Wodrich. He is survived by his loving wife, Heidi; his children, Kelli (Shawn) Kuehn, Kim Wodrich, and Jake Wodrich; and his granddaughters, Arlie Kuehn and Quinn Kuehn. He is also survived by his sister Deborah (Wodrich Stender) McFarlin, brother Kevin (Laurel) Wodrich, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and his loyal four-legged companion, Sammy.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Advocate Condell Hospital, Dr. Omar Salman and his amazing staff, and the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District for all of their support.
In Woody's memory, donations to the Life Raft Group in support of GIST cancer research are very welcome.
Jim's pride and joy, above all, was his family, and we will forever miss our rock, our G-Pa, our Woody.
The visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Justen Funeral Home of Round Lake, located at 222 N. Rosedale Court, Round Lake, IL 60073, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call Justen Funeral Home at 815-385-2400 or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones can share memories of James on his memorial wall.