James Martinson

It is with a heavy heart, we announce the peaceful passing of James Martinson, who left us on October 24, 2025 at the age of 77. Jim was born in Melrose Park, and moved to Villa Park in the early 1950s with his parents and two older brothers. He wed Rita on April 11, 1970 and survived 55 years of marriage. They began their lives together in Villa Park. Over the years, they shared some great vacations, starting with their honeymoon in Niagra Falls, and followed by trips to Hawaii, California, South Dakota, a castle tour of Germany and several times to Disney World. Jim and Rita started saving and, in 1977, found their lifelong home in Bartlett. In 1979, Jim and Rita welcomed their firstborn, Robin, and Brett completed the family in 1981. Jim found joy in computer club, camping, volleyball, bowling, photography & videography, Scouts, and animals, particularly birds and dogs. He loved hosting game night with friends, watching movies (some of his favorites were James Bond, Superman, Blues Brothers, Shawshank Redemption, It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and A Few Good Men) music (favorites including: Karen Carpenter, The Beatles, Jim Croce, Lori Line, John Denver and Meatloaf) and making the only thing he cooked - his (in)famous pizza soup. He made a career as a computer repair technician and dispatcher at Control Data, Cyber Resources, and Insight. Survivors include his wife, Rita, his children and pride & joy, Robin and Brett, daughter-in-law, Jenny, beloved grandchildren, Shilo and Kyle, sisters-in-law, Maureen and Judy, brother-in-law, Pete Henderson, nieces and nephews, Dan, Sue, Tony, Andy, Melissa, Susie, Shelly, Steven, Sandy, and many grand nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his twin, Jack, brothers, Ron and Ken and parents, Walter and Irene. His days were full of simple joys and filled with optimism. He left behind a lifetime of laughter and memories. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Visitation Tuesday October 28, 2025 at Countryside Funeral Homes and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd., Bartlett from 3:00pm until time of service 6:00pm. Cremation will be private following services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory are welcome to the Michael J Fox foundation to end Parkinson’s at give.michaeljfox.org.  Info www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com or (630)289-7575