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John James Obituary
Born: July 2, 1943
Died: June 29, 2024
John Thomas James, born on July 2, 1943, passed away at home on June 29, 2024. He was born and raised in Chicago to Harriet and Harry James, where he graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1961 and University of Illinois in 1966. He spent the majority of his career at Honeywell, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis (Phyl), in 1974. They were married on May 17, 1975 and welcomed daughter Karen in 1978 and son Bob in 1980.
John and Phyl retired in 2002 and spent the next 21 years traveling the world. They made their home in Sun City, Huntley, IL, where Phyl remains. They escaped the Illinois winters to become Snowbirds in Orange Beach, Alabama each year. John was active in the Sun City community, especially with his beloved Hurricanes softball team.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Phyl; his daughter Karen (Kevin Pate) of New Albany, Mississippi; and son Bob (Sally) of Cary, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, at the Meadowview Lodge within Sun City from 1-4 pm. We ask that you bring your best Dad joke and wear Purple (Sun City Hurricanes) or Chicago Cubs (Blue/Red/White) colors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the three causes most dear to John's heart: University of Illinois Alumni; St. Jude's; or the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America).
For further information please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be posted to www.defiorefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John James
Sponsored by DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service.
1 Entry
Bill Sheehan
July 9, 2024
Hi Phyllis and Family we were so sad to hear of John´s passing.I met John playing with the Hurricanes and he was a great guy to be around from the first time you met him. He was always upbeat and had the tough job of pitching and he was the best to play behind him. You and the family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Bill & Gwen
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DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142
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