James 's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of James here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
We have known Jim since 6th grade in Crete, Illinois. We have been planning our 65th class reunion in Crete. I stopped hearing from Jim. Tried emails and calls. Yesterday, I faced the fact something was wrong and found his obituary online. Our class is so very sad. Jim was very well liked and we are going to miss him. He wanted this reunion so much.
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Gail & Willis Dahn, Englewood, Fl
June 28th, 2022 at 10:41pm
This is very sad news to hear. I was lucky enough to briefly be a member of Jim’s group in the early eighties. One of the best guys you could ever hope to work for during Burnett’s glory years. Always fair minded, extremely knowledgeable, and a force you were always very happy to have on your side. Most importantly, Jim was one of the most fun bosses you could ever work for, and one of the coolest. Who else do you know that drove a DeLorean? My deepest sympathy and condolences to family and those close to him. Rest in Peace old friend.
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Michael Malatak
January 16th, 2022 at 11:34am
I met Jim at the Paw Paw Lake yacht club in Michigan and always enjoyed my conversations with him at the club events. I always looked forward to seeing Him perform with Karen when they would be involved in a club social event that involved singing and dancing. He was a class act and will be missed by many. Sending prayers of support to his wife Karen and their family.
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Carl Kutsmode
January 15th, 2022 at 11:18am
I first met Jim at Leo Burnett where he interviewed me for a job as producer. His style and insight in discussing ad ideas good and bad always made me think just a bit deeper about how ads affect people, how others might see them. Such a bright and introspective person. Jim will be missed.
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Dennis Vadies
January 14th, 2022 at 10:16am
At Leo Burnett, Jim was my boss, my mentor, and my hero. I owe so much to him and for his courage in standing up to prejudice. I am crushed by his passing. My deepest sympathies to his family. We’ve lost a true man.
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Murray Kalis
January 14th, 2022 at 12:54am
Overlooked was Jim’s remarkable start as a star Media Dept. guy at Burnett when he developed buying techniques and systems while still creating creative concepts to present to the Creative teams, ever looking to get a spot up-stairs with the “creatives”. He eventually did, but he could have achieved a similar success as an Account or Media Guy
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Ed Weed
January 13th, 2022 at 11:17pm
Carl & I would like to offer our sympathy to Karen and her family. Jim was a great person, golfer and avid supporter of Paw Paw Lake and will be greatly missed.
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Carl & Michelle Roppolo
January 13th, 2022 at 3:41pm
Jim was a class act…always fun to play a round of golf with. I called him a much better looking James Coburn. I will miss him. My heart goes out to the family, but the memories have to be fantastic !
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Tony Canonie
January 13th, 2022 at 2:36pm
We are sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Sending deepest condolences. When we first met Jim and Karen at the PPLYC we found them to be the most elegant couple we have ever met. Jim always had such great style in clothes and hats. Jim and Karen always took everyone's breath away when they sang and danced together. Jim will be greatly missed. Sending love and light to the family.
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Santiago & Carl
January 13th, 2022 at 2:35pm
Please accept my condolences on James passing. We had some good times at PPLYC. I'm sure he is up with the yacht club friends who passed earlier up in heaven. I assume there is a bags tournament going on now and he is getting lessons in the Olson school of bean bags. I am starting my stent as Rear Commodore this year and would like to help wherever I can. I did lose my dear Rory last spring and am going through the grieving process myself. Dean
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Dean Westlund
January 13th, 2022 at 2:31pm
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I know he will be missed at both The Point & on the lake.
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Joan Lipsig
January 13th, 2022 at 1:15pm
