Obituary of James C. Zackavec
James C. Zackavec
“Jim”
James C. Zackavec, age 50, passed away on December 24, 2020, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on December 3, 1970, in Evergreen Park, to George Zackavec and MaryKay Schaff. He attended Thornridge High School in Dolton, graduating in 1989. He attended Eastern Illinois University graduating in 1992 with a degree in Speech Communications and Public Relations. On May 7th, 1994, Jim married the love of his life, Jennifer Carlson in Morris. Together they made their home and raised their family in Morris. He worked for many different banking institutions ending his career at First Midwest Bank in Morris.
Jim was a hardworking man who loved his family with all of his heart and was extremely proud of his two daughters, Hannah and Grace. He had a contagious energy that brightened the room. He was a true entertainer who loved to make people laugh. Jim was very strong in his Christian faith which is what got their family through the difficult times. Jim loved traveling to warm locations, lying in the sun by the pool, listening to music and reading a good book.
For the last 18 years, Jim courageously battled many health issues including Multi-Cystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma and many additional medical complications. He was a true warrior, never letting people know how much he was hurting.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, best friend and caregiver, Jennifer; his mom, MaryKay (William) Schaff of Ocala, FL; two daughters, Hannah and Grace Zackavec of Morris, IL; three brothers, Michael (Jessica) Zackavec of Tinley Park, IL; Tim Zackavec of St. John, IN; Tony (Lisa) Zackavec of Slidell, LA; his step-mom, Jan Zackavec of Orland Park, IL; father-in-law, Ray Carlson of Morris, IL; brother-in-law, Rick (Jan) Carlson; sister-in-law, Lori Carlson (Patti Nowman) of Morris, IL. Jim is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his dad, George Zackavec; his paternal grandparents, George and Anna Zackavec; maternal grandparents, Donald and Doll Cotig; his mother-in-law, Donna Carlson of Morris, IL; his cousin, John Kessler of LaGrange, IL; and sister-in-law, Traci Carlson of Morris, IL.
A Memorial Service for James C. Zachavec will be held privately by the family. The family has requested to live stream the services at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Please click on this link https://youtu.be/JoGZJwGrR5Y and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Dr.), Morris, IL. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, a 10 person capacity rotation will be followed. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
At Jim’s request cremation rights will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated for future disbursement.
For more information, please call 815-942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
“My Dear Family and Friends,
I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used. Laugh as we laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me and let my name be the household name it always was. Let it be spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. Why shoud I be out of your mind because I am out your sight? All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before.”
