James Michael Meehan

James Michael Meehan was born on June 3,1945 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen, Park, Illinois. His parents were James and Dorothy (White) Meehan. Jim was raised in Chicago with one sibling, his younger sister, Sharman.

Jim had a flair for humor from his youth, keeping the family entertained. His mom often compared his antics to those of Jerry Lewis. While retaining a touch of clown throughout life, his wit became more verbal as he matured. His lifelong interest in team sports began with Little League baseball.

Jim spoke proudly of the early responsibilities of his job as a paperboy. This was no easy bicycle ride; he had a huge cart full of papers that he would push down the sidewalks through Chicago’s often inclement weather.

High School and College –

Jim attended Little Flower High School on the south side. He excelled in math and science, was a National Honor Society member, and the Salutatorian of the Class of 1962. Jim played varsity basketball at Little Flower and joined a park district 16” softball league.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in from St. Procopius College in 1966, majoring in Mathematics. He credited the dedicated faculty for preparing him well for his graduate studies. While at Procopius Jim participated in a variety of intramural sports and continued to enjoy park district softball. He loved to reminisce about the ill-fated train trip to Fargo, ND. He and a number of his fellow students were excited to support the basketball team in its post season tournament, but all became stranded by a blizzard in Grand Forks, with the game eventually having to be played in Morehead, MN.

Jim pursued graduate school, earning a Master of Science in Mathematics from Marquette University in 1968, and a Master of Science in Statistics from Purdue University in 1971. He was awarded a Doctor of Arts from University of Illinois/Chicago in 1984.

Jim met Eileen Clark while they were both students at Purdue. Jim and Eileen had a long and loving relationship and were married October 6, 2006.

Professional Life –

Jim joined the faculty at Illinois Benedictine College (formerly St. Procopius College, now Benedictine University) in 1971. Jim loved teaching and continued to volunteer as a math tutor after his retirement in 1998. Jim’s dedication to his students went beyond the classroom, as he offered study sessions for students interested in actuarial science, helping several pass the first two exams.

Jim returned to intramural sports, now as part of a faculty team, and also continued with park district softball on a team with several former students. For several years he served as official scorer for the IBC men’s varsity basketball team.

Travels –

Jim had a love of trains that started with model railroads as a boy and a scenic train trip to Grand Junction, Colorado for his cousin Cheryl’s wedding. He and Eileen would travel by train whenever there was opportunity, sometimes just to get to a destination and sometimes for the train trip itself. One such trip took them around the Great Lakes – almost. Chicago to New York State to Quebec to Manitoba was by train, but it took a bus from Winnipeg to Fargo to meet the train back to Chicago.

Their all-time favorite trip was to Alaska. It included a train trip from Fairbanks through Denali Park to Anchorage and a cruise down the inland passage to Vancouver.

Jim’s travels took him all over the U.S. He tried to visit all 50 states. He made it to 49 – the only one left on his list was Idaho.

Final Illness –

James passed away on June 10, 2010 at Westbury Care Center in Lisle, Illinois. James suffered dementia, and chronic liver disease. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen and his adoring sister, Sharman.

At his passing, Jim was remembered with love and admiration by family and friends (many of whom were from his Benedictine University family) as an intelligent, fun-loving and generous man. Visitation was held on June 14 at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Lisle. He was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip on June 15, 2010.

James M. Meehan 65 of Naperville

Beloved husband of Eileen Clark

Dear brother of Sharman Meehan, devoted son of

The late James and Dorothy, fond friend to Ashley Sajda,

And cousin to many. Funeral Tuesday 10:15am from the

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home 5015 Lincoln (1/2 mile South of Odgen Ave, Rt83) Lisle to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic

Church 26 N. Ellsworth Naperville Mass 11:00am.

Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Monday 3pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls 1140 W Jackson St

Chicago Il 60607. for information 630-964-9392.