James E. Staruck

James E. Staruck, 82 of Estero, Florida and Downers Grove, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home in Illinois with his wife by his side on November 27, 2024. He fought a valiant battle with lung cancer.

Husband of Cheryl, Dad of sons James (Colleen) and John (Elizabeth), Papa to Jack, Tommy, Charlie, Claire, Daniel and Nora Staruck. Son of the late Stanley and Rose Staruck, brother of the late Gloria Battain and her husband Ron. Former husband and dear friend of Michele Kowalesik Staruck, the mother of his sons.

James was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith at St. Joachim parish on the south side of Chicago. He graduated high school from CVS and continued his education at DePaul, Roosevelt, and Chicago Kent Law School earning MBA and JD degrees. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1971. He served as a Public Defender and States Attorney before establishing his private practice in Worth, Illinois. His real passion was teaching Business Law at DePaul University for 44 years. Thousands of students in the Chicago area learned the legal ropes of business in his classes. Upon retirement, James was awarded the Via Sapientiae Award for a lifetime of service devoted to the University.

As a young man James loved skiing; all of his adult life he enjoyed golf and world travel. He was an avid reader, particularly books about the World War II period, sports and politics. Everyone who knew him envied the diet he thrived on which consisted of 3 food groups: cokes, chocolate, and cigarettes. In his quiet time, he was never without a crossword puzzle while watching a TCM movie. He cherished his wife, his sons and their wives, and adored his 6 grandchildren. He had many laughs with his good friends and pals. Honorable mention goes to his favorite pubs: Landsdowne, Viaggio’s, and Cadence where he enjoyed his favorite drink Tanqueray and 7Up with a squeeze of lime in a tub glass.

Visitation will on Friday, Dec.6, 3-8 PM at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane St, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137. Funeral Mass the following day, Dec 7,11AM at St. Petronille Catholic Church, 420 Glenwood Avenue, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137. Interment will at a later date in a private ceremony. Funeral Mass will be live streamed starting at 11:00 AM CST at https://www.youtube.com/@saintpetronille9639/streams

Anyone wishing to make a donation in James’ memory, is encouraged to select a charity of your choice. The family welcomes donations to DePaul University scholarship fund in his name. Tax deductible donations may be made online at: give.depaul.edu/Staruck, selecting Richard H. Driehaus College of Business Scholarship, or Fund for Management. If preferred, checks may be made out to one of the above units and given to the family. These will be remitted to DePaul.

James’ smile and joy will be deeply missed, may his memory be a blessing.

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