James A. LaGreca, age 82, of Wonder Lake, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at his home, surrounded by loving family. James was born June 21, 1934 in Chicago to Arthur and Edna (Johnson) LaGreca. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served stateside from 1951 – 1954. On November 10, 1954, he…
Continue ReadingJames A. LaGreca, age 82, of Wonder Lake, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at his home, surrounded by loving family.
James was born June 21, 1934 in Chicago to Arthur and Edna (Johnson) LaGreca. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served stateside from 1951 – 1954. On November 10, 1954, he married Barbara Alexis Hagan at Nativity Lutheran Church in Wonder Lake.
Formerly a resident of Chicago, James was a resident of Wonder Lake for over 50 years. He began his career as a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, where he later served as Battalion Chief. After 17 years of service, James incurred a serious injury while fighting a fire, and subsequently took an early medical retirement from the CFD. His second career was in real estate, where he was well-known throughout the Wonder Lake community and affiliated with Sullivan Realty in Wonder Lake for many years.
James was a longtime member of Nativity Lutheran Church in Wonder Lake.
An avid outdoorsman, James enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years, he also enjoyed racquetball. Above all, James was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband and father who delighted in spending time with family.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Barbara; three children, Susan LaGreca of Wonder Lake, Anthony (Kay) LaGreca of Cornell, IL, and David (Alice) LaGreca of Georgetown, TX; his daughter-in-law, Chris LaGreca of Fountain Hills, AZ; his sister, Sharon Doyle of Branson, MO; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his son, Scott on June 15, 2013; his grandson, Daniel Ohlson on November 28, 2011; and his sister, Barbara Fiala.
Friends may gather to visit with his family from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Inurnment will be private.
For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, his family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorials & Honors Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for his family.
Funeral Home:
Justen Funeral Home & Crematory
3700 Charles J Miller Road
McHenry, IL
United States 60050
Jason Cynowa
left a message on April 6, 2017:
Our family has known Jim for decades. He was one of the most awesome, nicest, honest and memorable guys our family has ever had the pleasure of knowing and being able to call him a friend was an absolute honor. EVERYONE who knew him will truly miss Jim very much around this great community of Wonder Lake. To our family, he is one of the original Wonder Lake residents and this community will forever remember Jim and his great personality and also his integrity. He raised a beautiful family and we are also honored to call them friends as well. We believe Jim's great spirit and character will live on through his children, his grand children and his great-grandchildren. What an awesome man Jim LaGreca truly was and we will forever miss seeing him and talking to him for sure. RIP Jim LaGreca, Love, The entire Cynowa family.
Betty Cashin-Schlieben
left a message on March 31, 2017:
Jim LaGreca was one of the nicest men to me. One of the greatest fathers to his kids. He was always so kind and sweet. He will be missed dearly. He was my favorite LaGreca, not that I don't love and care for them all. I am so very sorry. You all were so blessed to have him as you father, Grandpa, husband, and friend. You will be so very much missed love Betty
John and Mary Angier
left a message on March 30, 2017:
To Tony and Family, "I know you'll grieve and wish he was still here. He is there in the memories you will always hold so dear."
Brian Herr
left a message on March 29, 2017:
Tony and family - Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. No matter when it happens, it is always too soon to lose your Dad.
Brian Krasavage
left a message on March 28, 2017:
Dave, My sincere condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting him, I know he was a man of honor and service to his family, community and country. May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patti McCracken Vickery
left a message on March 28, 2017:
To Sharon and Family - My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your brother. I was out of town or would have attended his visitation. Hold close to your heart all your good memories. With deepest sympathy, Patti McCracken Vickery Class of 1959
Linda & Joe Parisi
left a message on March 27, 2017:
Sue Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joy Zeman Vanek
left a message on March 27, 2017:
My sincere condolences to the LaGreca family~ God Bless you all,may your loved one be at peace with our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ~
Jim Hartsfield
left a message on March 26, 2017:
My condolences to the LaGreca family! I know your son & others will meet him with open arms! I served with his son in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Scott was my Chief you sir taught him well! Thinking of you Jason and the rest of the family!
jeannekendrigan
left a message on March 26, 2017:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and her family. Frances Kendrigan Madden, Rosemary Kendrigan Garcia, and Jeanne Kendrigan.
Nely Piper
left a message on March 25, 2017:
I had only met him several times, but could tell he was so caring and his family was everything to him. So sorry for your loss.
ellie fitzsimmons
left a message on March 25, 2017:
prayers to you n your family a father is a great loss god be with you
Sylvia, Brian, & Brandon Pederson
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry for your loss!
Cindy Keith
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was always such a nice person. My prayers are with the family.
Edward Eberle
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry to hear. I remember when you lived next door when I was a kid. Always thought a lot of your family. R.I.P.
Jamie Kelley
left a message on March 25, 2017:
Such sad news. Jim was such a sweet man and the first person to show me how good REAL Parmesan cheese is. I'll never forget lunch with him and Barb and watching the love between them as he helped her with her cheesecake... ♡ Prayers for the whole LaGreca Family as they mourn the loss of a great man. Xoxo
Sue Simon
left a message on March 25, 2017:
Tony, we are so sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers to your family. Zeke and I are in AZ with my dad. Hope to see you guys this summer. Love, Sue and Zeke Simon
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Jason Cynowa
left a message on April 6, 2017:
Our family has known Jim for decades. He was one of the most awesome, nicest, honest and memorable guys our family has ever had the pleasure of knowing and being able to call him a friend was an absolute honor. EVERYONE who knew him will truly miss Jim very much around this great community of Wonder Lake. To our family, he is one of the original Wonder Lake residents and this community will forever remember Jim and his great personality and also his integrity. He raised a beautiful family and we are also honored to call them friends as well. We believe Jim's great spirit and character will live on through his children, his grand children and his great-grandchildren. What an awesome man Jim LaGreca truly was and we will forever miss seeing him and talking to him for sure. RIP Jim LaGreca, Love, The entire Cynowa family.
Betty Cashin-Schlieben
left a message on March 31, 2017:
Jim LaGreca was one of the nicest men to me. One of the greatest fathers to his kids. He was always so kind and sweet. He will be missed dearly. He was my favorite LaGreca, not that I don't love and care for them all. I am so very sorry. You all were so blessed to have him as you father, Grandpa, husband, and friend. You will be so very much missed love Betty
John and Mary Angier
left a message on March 30, 2017:
To Tony and Family, "I know you'll grieve and wish he was still here. He is there in the memories you will always hold so dear."
Brian Herr
left a message on March 29, 2017:
Tony and family - Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. No matter when it happens, it is always too soon to lose your Dad.
Brian Krasavage
left a message on March 28, 2017:
Dave, My sincere condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting him, I know he was a man of honor and service to his family, community and country. May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patti McCracken Vickery
left a message on March 28, 2017:
To Sharon and Family - My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your brother. I was out of town or would have attended his visitation. Hold close to your heart all your good memories. With deepest sympathy, Patti McCracken Vickery Class of 1959
Linda & Joe Parisi
left a message on March 27, 2017:
Sue Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joy Zeman Vanek
left a message on March 27, 2017:
My sincere condolences to the LaGreca family~ God Bless you all,may your loved one be at peace with our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ~
Jim Hartsfield
left a message on March 26, 2017:
My condolences to the LaGreca family! I know your son & others will meet him with open arms! I served with his son in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Scott was my Chief you sir taught him well! Thinking of you Jason and the rest of the family!
jeannekendrigan
left a message on March 26, 2017:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and her family. Frances Kendrigan Madden, Rosemary Kendrigan Garcia, and Jeanne Kendrigan.
Nely Piper
left a message on March 25, 2017:
I had only met him several times, but could tell he was so caring and his family was everything to him. So sorry for your loss.
ellie fitzsimmons
left a message on March 25, 2017:
prayers to you n your family a father is a great loss god be with you
Sylvia, Brian, & Brandon Pederson
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry for your loss!
Cindy Keith
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was always such a nice person. My prayers are with the family.
Edward Eberle
left a message on March 25, 2017:
So sorry to hear. I remember when you lived next door when I was a kid. Always thought a lot of your family. R.I.P.
Jamie Kelley
left a message on March 25, 2017:
Such sad news. Jim was such a sweet man and the first person to show me how good REAL Parmesan cheese is. I'll never forget lunch with him and Barb and watching the love between them as he helped her with her cheesecake... ♡ Prayers for the whole LaGreca Family as they mourn the loss of a great man. Xoxo
Sue Simon
left a message on March 25, 2017:
Tony, we are so sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers to your family. Zeke and I are in AZ with my dad. Hope to see you guys this summer. Love, Sue and Zeke Simon
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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