James John Pazdur

James John Pazdur, known affectionately as Jim, passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 76, in Byron Center, Michigan. Born on April 9, 1948, in Hammond, Indiana, Jim lived a life marked by humor, generosity, and a profound commitment to his faith and family.

Jim graduated from T.F. North High School in Calumet City, Illinois, before pursuing higher education at Northern Illinois University. His professional journey was significant, having worked at notable companies such as Searle, Monsanto, Pfeizer, and Watson Pharmaceuticals. His fun-loving personality, work ethic, and concern for the details were evident in every project he undertook.

Jim loved his family and sought to faithfully provide them with a secure future. He taught his boys how to solve problems, plan ahead, and to never lose their sense of humor, even when life is tough. He encouraged them to attend college and find a career they could love. The love of his life was his wife, Gail, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage together on September 30. In his older years, Jim enjoyed teasing his grandchildren and watching them grow. They remember him as someone who always knew how to make people laugh.

Jim's hobbies were as diverse as his talents. In his younger years, he enjoyed fixing cars, camping in Door County and the Smoky Mountains with his family, and helping to coach softball for his sons. He loved working around the house, entertaining guests around the pool at home, and was acclaimed for his bartending skills. He was always happy to make an Old Fashioned or a refreshing margarita for you at a Christmas party or a summer pool party. He enjoyed dining out at local restaurants (with a lifelong fondness for Mexican food and thin crust pizza) and good conversation with friends. He cut a rug on the dance floor with his Lindy Hop, where he made several life-long friends. Later in life, he loved hiking and walking along the ocean in San Diego, where he and Gail spent their winters. If you had any black licorice on hand, it would be gone quickly, as he had a sweet tooth. He also had a love for cars, Porsches in particular.

At the age of 50, Jim became a follower of Jesus and grew into a man of deep faith. He was actively involved in The Chapel in Libertyville, Illinois, and Christ Church in Lake Forest, Illinois. His commitment to Jesus was evident in all aspects of his life, including the workplace where he led lunch-time Bible studies for his coworkers. After retiring, he dedicated much of his time to leading men's groups, sharing his love for the Bible and enriching the spiritual lives of many. He was also a man of prayer who faithfully prayed for his family and friends each day.

His favorite Scripture was James 4:8: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Though many years of his life were spent running from God, the lasting legacy of his life is that he humbled himself and drew near to God, receiving the love and forgiveness offered through the death of Jesus Christ. In his last days, his family was able to pray with him, reading the Bible together, and when the day came, he was ready to meet the Savior who loved him all his life. Jim's legacy is one of hard-work, service to others, and his commitment to following Jesus Christ. His quick wit and unwavering love for his family and friends will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; his son Ryan (and Jen) and their children Isaac, Rose, Meg; his son Todd (and Tiffany) and their children Bernie and Louie; his son Brett (and Sunah) and their children Joshua, Hope Lily, and Evan; and his brother Richard. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joan and John.

A private family graveside burial service will be held in Beaverdam, Michigan on Thursday, October 17. A celebration of Jim’s life for friends and extended family will be announced at a later date.

For those of you in the Chicago area who knew Jim, we are having a celebration of life remembrance service (aka funeral) on Friday, November 8th at 11am at Christ Church. Following the service the family is hosting a lunch reception at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville in their private room. If you only plan to attend the service, there is no need to RSVP. If you plan to attend the lunch reception, please RSVP at this link: https://www.justrsvp.me/jamespazdur

Celebration of Life Remembrance Service (No RSVP Needed)

James "Jim" John Pazdur (April 9, 1948 – October 14, 2024)

Friday, November 8, 2024 @ 11am, Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 N Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045. (Note there are multiple sites for Christ Church, the service is at the Lake Forest campus on Waukegan Rd.)

Lunch Reception (RSVP Needed at the link above) Friday, November 8 (following the service) from approximately Noon – 2:30 p.m., Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048-2237. https://www.justrsvp.me/jamespazdur

(Easiest parking is behind the restaurant in the lot or the parking garage accessible from Church St. or Brainerd Ave.)

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to support the work of Manna Fellowship Church in Holland, Michigan (https://www.mannafellowship.org/give).

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com for further information.