Jim was a wonderful person.  I remember looking up to him when I was a new lawyer at Abbott, and that never changed.  I also have fond memories of Jim and Phyllis generously hosting those fun 4th of July parties on the LB parade route.

I joined the Abbott Legal Division about a decade before Jim retired.  He was always so kind and helpful to me and to everyone, and he embodied the definition of a true gentleman.  I was so sorry to learn of his passing, and I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and others who knew, loved, and admired him.  Hopefully you can find some comfort in knowing that so many people have such warm and fond memories of Jim.

So sad to hear this news,  which Honey Lynn had passed on to me.  I worked with Jim in the Law Department for many years.  I always enjoyed his company, whether at a picnic table at El Jardin prior to the Cubs' game or chatting in the halls.    I especially loved reading Sergio's post as I was an AFS student to Argentina in 1978 and never knew I had this link in common with the Albrecht family.  Or our common southern Illinois roots.  (I'm from further south, Belleville.)  I also loved hearing from Jim about the Lake Bluff 4th of July traditions, one of the best was the Monica Lewinsky lawnmower performance corp.  And about going to visit his daughter living in Paris and writing for Time Out.  How wonderful! 

My sincere condolences to the entire Albrecht family.  Rest in Peace, Jim.  

The world has lost one of the best persons ever! I am so sorry for your loss.  The Poor folk have been blessed to have had Jim and Phyllis in our lives since our memorable years on the Knox campus.
  
             Bobbie Poor

The same as I called Phyllis Albrecht Mom, I called Jim Albrecht Dad. They had asked me to, and it immediately felt right. And ever since, that’s exactly what both have been to me and to my sister Patrizia four years later: family.
As an American Field Service (AFS) exchange student from Lausanne, Switzerland I landed in 1978 in the Albrecht family who adopted me and my sister with all the responsability, love and care they have always shown, and I can only say one thing: that high school year I spent at Lake Bluff changed my life completely, not only because I had to adjust to a different language and to a different culture, but also because what Phyllis and James gave me was something I had not experienced before: love, support, values, trust and a sense of responsability. I could not have become the person I am now without them.
From Dad, I learned to pay attention to what was said, I learned how to speak to him so that he could read my lips, I loved to talk US history, of which he had read a lot. I visited him at Abbott’s where he was a lawyer, and of course he used to joke about the Swiss Pharmaceutical Companies as opposed to the one he was working for.
I also remember his elegant business suits and his Old Spice Perfume which, to this day, immediately reminds me of him. In Spain, where I live part-time, I found a bottle of Old Spice that I keep in my bathroom, a reminiscence of the ones that could always be found at t 217 E. Sheridan Place.
I’ll always remember he put a chauffeur’s hat to drive the car and pick up Silvia Godoy, my Colombian High School girlfriend and then drive us to the Homecoming Dance, and later to the Prom Dance.
He was also supportive and caring to my sister Patrizia when she came four years later to study at Lake Forest High School, and both Phyllis and Jim were present when we graduated, just like the caring parents they have alway been.
He was there. He gave us security. He was a real Dad to me and to my sister. It was a real pleasure

So many memories of Jim.  Fourth of July parties, golf at Lake Bluff Country Club, Christmas Eve celebrations...the list goes on and on.  When I think of Jim, I think of someone who lived in the moment and was always making sure everybody around him was having a great time and was well taken care of.   I have no doubt he is doing that now. RIP Jim

I can't think of Jim with out Phyllis, they were a team when I met them in the mid sixties. They went out of their way to make me feel special and one of the family.  I especially enjoyed our time together in Marco or at our place in Wisconsin.  After moving from Illinois Jim would send us hand written notes. I loved seeing pictures shared on Facebook with Jim and the family.  It helped us keep close. He was a man to be admired. He will be missed.  Please accept my deepest sympathy. 

Jim will be missed by so many people. He was a wonderful cousin and friend. He and Phyllis were great role models for our entire family. They were the glue that held us together. They were always there for the family, both in good and difficult times. They were always ready to share their numerous talents with others. May they find eternal peace together in heaven.

OBITUARY

James Louis Albrecht

March 9, 1932 – February 10, 2021

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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