James F. Schiller

 James F. (Jim) Schiller of Inverness, Illinois and Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, completed his final life project and began his well-earned rest on Monday, March 10th, 2025. Jim’s absence is profound, yet his family and friends are forever grateful to have had him and carry forward the inspiration of his love, curiosity, loyalty, generosity, and wit. He will live in the hearts and memories of those fortunate to have known him.

 Jim’s legacy is his dedication and service to others—foremost his family beginning with his wife, Mary Ellen (nee Harnett), son Daniel (Phillip Moy), and daughters Cathleen (Steven Newcomb), and Lucy; grandchildren Ronan, Cormac, and Nellie Newcomb; sister and brother-in-law Naida and Anthony Armagno; niece Nina and nephews Joseph and James Armagno; and, late parents Elizabeth Virginia (McMullen) and James John Schiller.

 A graduate of Oak Park–River Forest High School and DePaul University, he served on the Elmhurst, IL and Chicago police departments prior to a long career in technical sales in the energy business (GE - Baker Hughes). He subsequently took a well-deserved retirement devoting his time to grandchildren, volunteering at House of Hope Resale and Good Shepherd Hospital, and travel. Anywhere he found a new trail, he was called to follow it.

 His superpowers are extensive and varied: ability to talk to and befriend any sort of person; supreme sense of loyalty and duty to family, friends, and church; humility, humor, and common sense to move forward with whatever life serves; drive to conceive and complete home-improvement projects that work and actually enhance property value; intellectual curiosity to devour war histories (WW II a specialty), media of all kinds, and enjoy rewarding travel experiences; connoisseur of hearty, unpretentious, hole-in-the-wall eateries throughout the Chicago and Cobh, Ireland areas; generosity of spirit to welcome many four-legged, furry creatures into the house for decades; and, much more.

 Jim persevered in his illness with fortitude and courage to meet its conclusion on his terms. His family will forever carry his legacy and memory.

 A memorial visitation for Jim will be held from 9:30am until the time of mass at 10:30am on Friday, March 21, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, IL. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The Committal will be private. In memoriam gifts toSaint Anne Hope Ministries. Hope Ministries operates House of Hope and any money donated will benefit those most in need.