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BORN
1956
DIED
2018
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James Ventresca Obituary
James L. "Jim" Ventresca, a resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 7, 2018.
Jim died fighting cancer in the presence of his wife and loved ones while in hospice care at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. He was 62 years old.
Born on July 24, 1956, in Chicago to Edward and Lorraine Ventresca. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife Doreen (née Haas), two brothers, Michael (Linda) and Thomas (Gail) and families. He is also survived by his wife's brothers and sisters, Deborah (Jim) Jurinak, Fred (Janet) Haas, and Michael (Anita) Haas and their families.
Jim grew up in the city with his two brothers. A graduate of Prosser Vocational High School in Chicago, he worked as a tradesman before beginning a full career with the Chicago Transit Authority. A keen automotive enthusiast, he served the CTA as a bus mechanic until 1997. He then transferred to CTA's Law Department, working as a legal clerk, where he met his wife Doreen. He retired on March 1, 2005.
While a fan of Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs, he loved following racing. Whether horses or cars, Jim enjoyed the track. He even maintained and raced his own Corvette. He was also an avid, clever Scrabble player.
Jim and Doreen were fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement together. He was a devoted husband, as well as a kind and gentle family man. Having no children of his own, he doted on his nieces and nephews. A steadfast support to family and friends, he remained the most relaxed person in the room, any room, and held his Christian faith to the end.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 14, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Private interment will be held at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ventresca
Mike Morgan
December 16, 2018
Dear Doreen,
I am so sorry that your dear husband Jim has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I'll always remember the time Jim and I took a bus from Yorktown to Wrigley Field to see the CUBS vs Padres. We sat in the bleacher seats and had a lot of fun!
Rest in peace Jim Ventresca
Sincerely,
Mike Morgan
Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
Friend and neighbor from Kenilworth Arms in Glen Ellyn, Illinois 2006
Dianne Wolff
December 12, 2018
Doreen, I am sorry that your husband Jim, has passed. It's is nice that you two had many years to share. Thinking of you with loven that is between cousins.
Lizzie Rivera , nee Feldman
December 12, 2018
Jimmy and I were good friends back in the day. I haven't seen or spoken to him on many years. He was always a good loyal friend, I am so glad he had you Doreen . Although you and I have never met, I am sure you made last years of his life the best years of his life. May he rest in peace and may you find solace in your memories. God bless you and yours.
John Martini
December 12, 2018
I met Jim when I was like 10 years old across from Harmony House in Chicago he let me drive his 66 Chevelle I believe are Nova 2 around the block I was 12 years old he was a great guy rest in peace Jim Jim's brother also had a nice Camaro
John Martini
December 12, 2018
I haven't seen Jim in over 40 years but I never forgot about him he was a great guy and he always had cool cars to the family sorry for your loss
Brent Adamson
December 11, 2018
Jim - though I never met you, I am glad that you and Doreen had many happy, loving years together...I know you will be missed... Brent & Lori Adamson
Barry Rubinstein
December 10, 2018
May your soul rest in peace in the hands of Lord
Iris Perkins
December 10, 2018
Doreen, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your families. May God give you peace. Jim lives in your heart always...Rest In Heaven Jim.
Janice Spain
December 10, 2018
Doreen, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Jim's family. May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Polly Naviaux
December 10, 2018
Doreen, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family, also James family. I didn't know James, but know he was kind & gentle with a deep faith in God just from what I've read here, & I know you have a deep faith as well. May your love for, & wonderful memories of James sustain & comfort you.
God Bless You,
Polly Naviaux
Stan and Margie Adamson
December 9, 2018
Doreen, Stan & I are so sorry to learn about your loss. Although we didn't know James, we know that he must have been a good man because you loved him. Please know that you have our love and prayers as you go through this sorrowful time.
Karen Czyscon
December 9, 2018
Its been along time since grade school, test in peace my old friend!
The Hultgren Family and Staff
December 8, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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