Obituary of Deacon James M. Janousek
Deacon James Michael Janousek, age 73, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, April 25, 2024, at home, surrounded by the love of his family, following a courageous ten-year battle with cancer.
Born April 8, 1951, in Evergreen Park, IL, and raised in Oak Lawn, he was the son of James A. and Cecelia “Eileen” (Curtin) Janousek, and was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Chicago. He continued his education at Quincy University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree. Jim worked for many years in sales.
On August 22, 2009, he was ordained by the Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain into the Order of the Diaconate of the Diocese of Joliet, and served as Deacon, as well as Business Manager, for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Joliet, retiring in 2019. Jim dedicated his life to service to others and relished his role in parish life as well as serving as a campus minister for Joliet Junior College and volunteering at St. Joseph Medical Center. His favorite ministry was administering the Sacrament of Baptism which he performed countless times including for three of his grandchildren.
A loving and devoted husband, dad, and “Papa”, Jim was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed coaching his children’s many youth teams, with basketball, especially March Madness, being his favorite.
He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his example, and how he internalized the words of Jimmy Valvano, “Don’t give up…don’t ever give up.”
Surviving are his beloved wife of 50 years, Gloria (Wachtor) Janousek; his three children, Sarah (Mario) Palazzolo of Wheaton, Hilary (Mark) Taghap of Aurora, and Jim (Elissa Denton) Janousek of Talent, OR; five grandchildren, Kiara, Mateo, Josie, Tyndal and Sylvan; his brothers and sisters, Gerard Janousek, John (Kathy) Janousek, Mary (Dave) Kotwasinski, Michael (Peg) Janousek and Suellyn Flynn; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Neil, in infancy.
Visitation for James Janousek will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, where a vigil service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org), the American Association for Cancer Research (www.aacr.org), or Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (www.alexslemonade.org)
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
