James S. Tonkinson

James S. Tonkinson of Chicago, Illinois passed from this life on August 28th, 2017 at the age of 83. He was surrounded with love by his immediate family as he made his peaceful transition into the hands of God.

James, the sixth child and second son of Irene Tonkinson (nee) Stewart and Edward Tonkinson was born May 18, 1934 in Elmwood Park, Il. He had seven siblings, Mae, Jack, Myrle, Betty, Jean, Pat and David.

As a life-long resident of Chicago, he attended Lane Technical High School graduating in 1953 and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1958 in Professional Engineering. He served for the Army Corp of Engineers from 1960-1964.

James married his true love, Carolyn Ann Becker on April 5, 1964. He was the proud father of four - Karyn (Carl) Gartner, Jacquelyn (Steve) Howard, Kathryn (Chris) Sherrick, and James (Marie) Tonkinson. He was also an extremely proud grandfather to the children of Jacquelyn - Corey, Nicole, Gregory, Jeremy, Jasmine, Tiana, Cody, Katrina; of Kathryn – Carolyn and Justin; and of James – Amanda and Joules. He also was a great-grandfather of three, Amiah, Iain and Liam. He was honored to be the brother in law to the spouses of Mae - Glen Pearson; of John – Marilyn; of Myrle – Robert Gosse; of Betty – Jack Werner; of Jean – Robert Majewski; and of David – Anne. James was the beloved uncle to a total of 25 nieces and nephews; Gary, Jackie, Jill, Arlene, Sue, Janet, Lance, Tim, Jim, Judy, Mary, Terry, Bill, John, Barbara, Jim, Michael, Kathy, David, Nancy, Gail, Patrick, Kevin, Steven and Michael along with many, many great nieces and nephews.

James was well known and respected as a man of integrity in both his personal and professional life. He was an engineer for the state of Illinois and ultimately became the Head Civil Engineer for the City of Evanston. It was here where many of his career highlights were achieved such as preserving the historical lighting of Evanston and designing many of its bridges including one on Central Ave near Ridge Ave bearing his name. Upon his retirement, he was honored by the Mayor and Board of Directors of the City of Evanston with an article in the Evanston Review paper and a day named in his honor. His peers also honored him with this beautiful writing:

Spotlight on Jim Tonkinson, City Engineer per his peers at the City of Evanston:

Jim Tonkinson is described by many as being strongly committed to the City of Evanston. Throughout his thirty-plus years with the City, he has always gone the extra mile to give quality service to Evanston residents. Judith Aiello, Assistant City Manager, describes Jim as, ‘...one of the City's most dedicated employees. He is always willing to help out other department heads to get the job done.”

Jim has worked for the City of Evanston since May, 1965. He began as a Civil Engineer, and through a series of promotions, became Assistant City Engineer and then City Engineer--a position he has held since 1978. Jim received his Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, and previously worked tor the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As the City Engineer, Jim oversees a number of citizen programs, such as the 50/50 curb and sidewalk program and the alley paving initiative. He has daily contact with residents, and always takes the time to answer their questions, even if the matter involves another department. Jim feels that he really works for 73,000 people, and makes addressing their concerns his number one priority. Jim also oversees the Motor Fuel tax program, and redirects the proceeds to repave Evanston streets.

A typical work day for Jim starts at 7:00 a.m. And is spent talking with citizens, attending meetings, checking work in the field, and dealing with requests for plat reviews and legal descriptions. Jim feels that someone should always be accessible to answer residents' questions, so he generally works through his lunch break.

Most of Jim's staff have worked with him for over eight years. They admire his strong technical knowledge and ability to finish projects on time. Although Jim has very high expectations for his staff, they feel that he would not ask them to do anything he wouldn't do himself. In addition, he treats them all with respect. Sandra Chavis, Executive Secretary, explains, “I love my job, in part because of him.” Jim's staff describe him as very solution-focused. Sandra explains, “If he can't do it, it can't be done!”

James was a devout believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and an active member of Saint Philip Lutheran Church. He was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed playing golf and was an excellent dancer. He was a Little League coach to both his son, James and grandson, Gregory. He was a one of a kind man, he was a devoted husband, he was a dedicated father and grandfather and was a supportive mentor and role model. His number one priority was his love ones and he was a devoted, protective advocate for his wife and children to the end of his days. His memory will be cherished by his loved ones, his friends and colleagues. His good nature, humor and generosity will be missed deeply and remembered forever.

Visitation

August 31, 2017 – 4:00 - 9:00pm - Drake Funeral Home – 5303 N. Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois – 773.561.6874.

Visitation and Funeral

September 1, 2017 – Visitation - 10:00 - 11:00am and Service – 11:00 - 12:00pm - St. Philip Lutheran Church – 2454 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. – 773.561.9468, followed by internment at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois – 773.561.5940.

Celebration of a Full Life Following Internment

Dave and Anne Tonkinson – 3512 N. Claremont, Chicago, Illinois

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to

St. Philip Lutheran Church, 2454 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, Illinois.