1931
James
2015
James Reese
July 14, 1931 — April 15, 2015
James Richard Reese of Schaumburg, Illinois went home to heaven on April 15, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. Songs, laughter and tears guided him home as he went through the ‘pearly gates.’
Jim was born on July 14, 1931 to James and Elizabeth Reese in Melrose Park, Illinois. He was drafted in 1951 to serve in the Korean War. Prior to leaving home he married his sweetheart, Patricia Zuehlke on June 9, 1951.
Jim had three children: Richard (Jann) Reese, Diana Reese (Michael Hommowun) and Dr. Nancy Reese. He was very proud of his seven grandchildren: Dr. James (Sarah) Hommowun, Adam (Heather) Hommowun, Ashley (Mark) Rivera, Rebecca (Jason) Pardo, Amy Reese, Rio Habermeier and Sage Habermeier. Further joy was brought to him by his five great grandchildren.
Jim was the last of the five Reese siblings and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patty who died in 1987. He spent twenty years with his loving companion, Maryann, who died last June.
Jim taught all of his children to be resourceful problem solvers who had confidence and creativity. As a young man he was an auto mechanic and raced at Soldier Field race track. After the war he became a commercial carpenter by trade and graduated from Washburn Vocational School. Combining his skills as carpenter and mechanic he taught his children parts of each. Some of the greatest memories are working with him on the houses he built for Rick and Diana or the car that he restored with Nancy. Jim was an artist utilizing oils, charcoal and pencil for sketching and a fine woodworker. Jim also mentored John Habermeier in the vocation of carpentry and was proud of his accomplishments.
He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and is proud of his grandchildren who are active military – Adam and Ashley. He loved playing hockey and watching his beloved Blackhawks. He was a skilled short stop and White Sox fan. He also enjoyed fishing at his parent’s home on Grindstone Lake.
Most importantly, Jim was a man of deep faith. Growing up in the Little White Church in Melrose Park, Illinois, he was an elder and sang in the choir, where he met his wife. In later years, Jim was not involved in organized religion but was deeply spiritual. He taught all his children gospel songs over the years and looked forward to being home with Jesus.
Jim would want to say ‘thank you’ to all his family, friends and caretakers for being so special to him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 3:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home 333 South Roselle Road, Roselle, Illinois. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, April 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church 405 South Rush St., Roselle, Illinois. Where Jim will by lying in state from 9:30a.m. until time of service 10:30a.m. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Park 900 North Wolf Road, Northlake, Illinois. Info www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com or (630)529-5751
Jim was born on July 14, 1931 to James and Elizabeth Reese in Melrose Park, Illinois. He was drafted in 1951 to serve in the Korean War. Prior to leaving home he married his sweetheart, Patricia Zuehlke on June 9, 1951.
Jim had three children: Richard (Jann) Reese, Diana Reese (Michael Hommowun) and Dr. Nancy Reese. He was very proud of his seven grandchildren: Dr. James (Sarah) Hommowun, Adam (Heather) Hommowun, Ashley (Mark) Rivera, Rebecca (Jason) Pardo, Amy Reese, Rio Habermeier and Sage Habermeier. Further joy was brought to him by his five great grandchildren.
Jim was the last of the five Reese siblings and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patty who died in 1987. He spent twenty years with his loving companion, Maryann, who died last June.
Jim taught all of his children to be resourceful problem solvers who had confidence and creativity. As a young man he was an auto mechanic and raced at Soldier Field race track. After the war he became a commercial carpenter by trade and graduated from Washburn Vocational School. Combining his skills as carpenter and mechanic he taught his children parts of each. Some of the greatest memories are working with him on the houses he built for Rick and Diana or the car that he restored with Nancy. Jim was an artist utilizing oils, charcoal and pencil for sketching and a fine woodworker. Jim also mentored John Habermeier in the vocation of carpentry and was proud of his accomplishments.
He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and is proud of his grandchildren who are active military – Adam and Ashley. He loved playing hockey and watching his beloved Blackhawks. He was a skilled short stop and White Sox fan. He also enjoyed fishing at his parent’s home on Grindstone Lake.
Most importantly, Jim was a man of deep faith. Growing up in the Little White Church in Melrose Park, Illinois, he was an elder and sang in the choir, where he met his wife. In later years, Jim was not involved in organized religion but was deeply spiritual. He taught all his children gospel songs over the years and looked forward to being home with Jesus.
Jim would want to say ‘thank you’ to all his family, friends and caretakers for being so special to him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 3:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home 333 South Roselle Road, Roselle, Illinois. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, April 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church 405 South Rush St., Roselle, Illinois. Where Jim will by lying in state from 9:30a.m. until time of service 10:30a.m. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Park 900 North Wolf Road, Northlake, Illinois. Info www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com or (630)529-5751
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