James "Jim" Stupar

Jim Stupar passed away at the age of 55 at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington on Thursday, January 30, 2014, surrounded by his caring family after a year long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Jim was born in Waukegan on April 19, 1958. Jim graduated from UIC in 1979. Jim spent 30 years with Hollister Incorporated in Libertyville, most recently as Vice President of Europe, Middle East and Africa and also as a Corporate Officer. Jim has had a significant impact on the organization and has succeeded in making life more rewarding and dignified for people around the globe.

Jim and Kathy (Lockwood) met at Crystal Lake Central High School and were married on June 23, 1979 in Crystal Lake, IL where they lived until 2003. As part of Jim’s career, Jim and Kathy lived in Melbourne, Australia and London, England for a period of 8 years before making their home in Hawthorn Woods.

Jim had a love and passion for music. Starting playing piano at an early age, his passion became a natural outlet for his creative abilities. Jim composed numerous songs including several pieces that were to become a modern opera. Jim co-wrote and produced a CD in 1998. Over the last year, Jim launched the web site, doesthemusichavetostop.org to support the efforts of other musicians with ALS and to help raise funds for research.

Even though he traveled the globe as part of his career, he always said his favorite place was home. His first priority was his family. He loved spending as much time as possible with his family and friends. Recently his most favorite pastime was watching his 18 month-old granddaughter, Sofie, carry on the legacy of loving life.

In addition to his business and musical accomplishments, Jim will be remembered for his faith, generous heart, laughter and love of life. This has never been more evident as he endured the challenges of living with a debilitating neuromuscular disease with class, grace and faith. Jim has had significant impact on countless lives. Over the past year, this has been reflected by the many gifts, cards and emails from around the world.

In 55 short years, Jim lived life to the fullest. He taught us all so much before he left this earth to enter God’s Kingdom. He will be dearly missed and his memories forever cherished.

Jim is survived by his wife Kathy, son Ben (Anne), granddaughter Sofie, father George, brothers Jeff (Teresa) and David (Elizabeth) and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Stupar.

Visitation will be from 3-8 pm on Tue, Feb 4 at the Doubletree, 510 E. Illinois Rt 83, Mundelein, IL. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Wed, Feb 5 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Hawthorn Woods or Journey Care Hospice of Barrington.