Obituary of James Eugene Paulsen
James Eugene Paulsen, age 58, of Channahon, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn.
Born February 2, 1965, in Oak Lawn, he was the husband of Michele (Monari) Paulsen for 27 ½ years and the beloved father to Tyler and Cheyanne. He was the son of James Thomas and Catherine (Farrell) Paulsen and was a graduate of Bogan High School.
He served in The United States Navy from November 1984 through November 1987 on the USS Goldsborough. He was stationed in Hawaii for three years. His ashes will be returned “home” as he would always say he grew up there. But honestly, he never really grew up.
Jim did his apprenticeship through the Pipefitters Union 597 where he was a member in good standing. He was employed by Advanced Mechanical for 35 years. He was a problem solver and a troublemaker, but he loved his job and the people he worked with. All the guys know how much he loved his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Jim was an avid golfer and was looking forward to retirement where he would be able to golf every day and get home in time to make Michele dinner. He loved to watch Tyler play baseball and Cheyanne dance. He loved watching them do what they were so passionate about. He was a reader of history, biographies and mysteries and a recent convert to country music as he said he needed to get ready for life in Tennessee. He got to watch his beloved Cubs win the World Series in 2016 and the Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears win their championships too.
He was fiercely loyal and protective of his family and those he loved. He was the hardest worker and did everything for his family. Jim had an innate ability to break down people’s walls. He was famous for his one liners and his quick wit. His sense of humor was second to none and his love for his family will be his legacy. He was the Grinch to Micheles Christmas addiction but secretly loved all her trees and decorations. He was the coach and mentor to Tyler and loved the time they were able to spend together at baseball and golf. He was the best friend and confidant to Cheyanne and loved talking investments with her. He will be missed by his mother, his sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and two new great nephews. He will be missed at work and on the golf course by the many, many friends he had. We are all better for knowing him. His most recent accomplishment was hitting his best round of 79. (Apparently that’s good!)
He is survived by his wife, Michele (nee Monari) Paulsen; his son Tyler Paulsen and daughter Cheyanne Paulsen; his mother, Catherine (nee Farrell) Paulsen; and sister Erin Paulsen.
He was preceded in death by his father, James T Paulsen; his paternal grandparents, Jeanette (Hart) and Edwin F Paulsen II; his maternal grandparents, Katherine (Prendiville) and Eugene Farrell; and his mother-in-law Sharon (Lewis) Monari.
Visitation for Jim Paulsen will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation and interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave a condolence or share a memory.
