James F. Maloney

James F. Maloney, also known as Jimmy, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born June 13, 1939, on the northwest side of Chicago, to the late John and Mary Maloney. Jimmy was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, father-in-law, brother-in-law and friend.

Jimmy found his first home with his brother and sisters above Chicago’s infamous Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park.  He used to talk about standing and looking out the window with his sisters at all the people coming and going from the theater. Jimmy and his family then moved to Newport and Seminary in Chicago’s famous Wrigleyville neighborhood.  This is where Jimmy ran the streets with his brother Jack, playing football at DePaul Academy, met all his best friends and found the love of his life right across the alley.  Whether he or anyone he knew realized it, he was in the beginning stages of building what was most important to him, his family.

Jimmy's love for his wife, Peggy, was immeasurable. Together, they built a beautiful 63 year marriage filled with love, laughter, cherished memories and religiously watching All My Children. Jimmy always said he had the most beautiful bride, or referred to her as his beautiful wife.  He was a devoted father to his children, the late Mitch (Christine) Maloney, Pat (Cathy) Maloney, Kelly (Rich) Rogalski, and Tim (Tiffany) Maloney. Jimmy's legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Ryan (Jennie) Rogalski, Matthew (Amanda) Rogalski, Erin Maloney, Michael Roewert, Caitlyn (Dalton) Russell, and Jackson Maloney, as well as his great-grandchildren.

It didn’t matter if you were a Maloney, Ahlgrim, Crouch, Lynn, or Rogalski. If you were in Jimmy's life you were special to him and he would do everything he could for you, because in his perspective you were family.  In that respect, Jimmy treated all his nieces and nephews as if they were his own kids. He and his brother and sisters on both sides of his family did everything they could to keep all of the extended family close. Even when his two nephews were constantly going after each other as kids Jimmy was their referee and would bring them back together.  He used to alway say “ I have the best kids and family!”.  He did nothing but help his family in any way he could.  He may have thought you were crazy for moving into a dumpy beer soaked fraternity house but he was there helping fix it up. Or that you were nuts for racing junk cars but he was there watching. His wife and family were the most important part of his life and that showed through in his daily life.

Jimmy instilled the value of working hard, always giving 110%, playing it smart, never backing down from a challenge and “taking care of those who take care of you”.  He also passed down a set of skills to all of his kids when it came to working on his house.  No project was too small or too large.  After moving back into Chicago from his and Peggy’s first home in Carpentersville, he designed and built a three level addition on their house.  His favorite apprentices were his kids and nephews.  Many of them, as well as his grandkids, are now in the trades. If you were to ask his kids what the biggest lesson and or skill he taught them was, they would say, “He taught me how to be a parent, a spouse, an uncle, a grandparent, a friend, and most importantly taught me what I needed to become the person I am today.”

After high school, Jimmy served in the United States Army as a military police officer. He was stationed in France where he was able to travel and see parts of Europe. He proudly wore the uniform and exemplified the values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout his military service. After his time in the Army, Jimmy started his career as a laborer for People’s Gas.  He truly enjoyed working for the gas company and the many long friendships that he formed. He worked his way up through the company to General Superintendent.  He was able to help many friends of his family as well as his sons Patrick, Rich, and nephew Ron get their start as gas men. That tradition has carried on with his grandson Ryan. Jim ran main gang crews for many years before retiring in 1993.  All of his crews respected and loved working for him.  Jim always took care of his guys and they were devastated but happy for him when he made the hard decision to retire and start the next phase of his life.  However, retirement didn't suit his active nature, and he found a second career in  driving a school bus for the local schools as well as Futabakai Japanese School.  He enjoyed driving the kids and getting to know principals, teachers and families. He really got a kick out of bringing the bus home while on his lunch and showing his young grandson Jackson around the bus, letting him sit in the driver's seat and going for a ride around the block. His route took him right past Jackson’s preschool so when he would go past and Jackson’s class was outside he would hit the horn. Jackson would be waving and telling his teachers that's my grandpa!

Jimmy's devotion to his family was unwavering, and he cherished every moment spent with them, celebrating holidays or special events in his basement bar that he built, doing shots of Jameson. He had a special place in his heart for family vacations, especially the memorable celebrations in South West Florida, where getting "Ski'd" for his 80th birthday will forever be remembered.

Jimmy retired for a second time to sunny Cape Coral, FL where he and Peggy enjoyed being out of the harsh Chicago winters and spending quality time together.  He was beyond ecstatic when his kids and family came to visit.  So much so that he would be talking about when they were coming back or that they could move into the extra bedroom and stay as long as they wanted.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mitch, his sisters, Mary (Ronald) Ahlgrim and Elizabeth (Robert) Lynn, and his brother, John 'Jack' Maloney. Jimmy's memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends and will continue to carry on the largest part of his legacy, his family.

A funeral mass will be held in Jimmy's honor on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, located at 34 W Park St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 am and Military Honors following the mass.

James Francis Maloney, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather and cherished friend, will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.