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James J. Kantak

October 17, 1965 - January 17, 2022

James J. Kantak James J. Kantak
  • VISITATION
    January 30, 2022 | 12:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home
    405 E. Main Street
    St, Charles, Illinois 60174
  • Funeral
  • January 30, 2022 | 3:30 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home
    405 E. Main Street
    St. Charles, Illinois 60174
  • Burial Location
    Private

It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of James J. Kantak, 56, who passed away on
Monday, January 17th. He was incredibly loved and cherished by all those who had the
privilege of knowing him.
James was born on October 17th, 1965, in Oak Park, IL. Son of Diane M. Kantak (Zito) and the
late Francis C. Kantak.
Jim grew up in Chicago, IL where he attended grade school and high school. Jim continued his
education and experience in the Tool industry, ultimately fine tuning his trade to become a
specialty tool engineer. Throughout his career, he established multiple tooling businesses
which specialized in engineering and manufacturing custom tools for the Aerospace and
Automotive industries. Some of his greatest accomplishments were his contributions to the
success and legacy of Taurus Tool and Engineering in Batavia, IL. and GWS Tool Group. Jim’s
smiling face, humor and quiet leadership style will be greatly missed throughout his
companies.
Jim truly had an eye for mechanics, which played a huge role in his hobbies outside of work.
He spent many hours restoring and customizing classic cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
He was also a dedicated Black Hawks fan, avid golfer and enjoyed skiing and ice skating with
his daughter and close friends. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life with a cup of coffee in
hand and a bag of gummy bears close by.
Jim was incredibly driven and dedicated. There was never a project or idea that was too big for
him to tackle. If there was a will he would always find a way. His life is a reflection of what
hardwork and genuine brilliance can create. James left a mark on this world and will be
remembered fondly in this life and the next. His wisdom and passion proved contagious across
the ages only to be exceeded by his warm heartedness and kindness to all.
He leaves behind his daughter, Maria Kantak, Sisters Cheryl M. Green (Eric Lenhart), and Eileen
D. Frank (Keith), Nieces Alissa R. Borowicz (James) and Robyn A. Frank and great nephews
Damond and Ethan Borowicz.
He was predeceased by his grandmother, Eleanor Zito in 2016.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Sunday, January 30th from
12:30-3:30 with a service to follow at Yurs Funeral Home of Saint Charles, 405 East Main Street
(Corner of Rt.64 and Rt.25)
As a survivor of Ameloblastoma, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the NIH (National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) 31 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892.
www.nidcr.nih.gov

Condolences


John Hopkins from ., UT

"I am very sorry for your loss Michelle. Jim was his happiest when he was with you or talking about you. RIP Jim."


Jeff Jefferson’s from Hampshire , IL

"I miss you my friend! We had some really good times playing golf and shooting the breeze! We laughed so hard we nearly busted a gut more than once! LolI never saw you without a smile, especially when you talked about your relationship with Michelle. She was your sunshine and I am so glad I was able to meet her! Cheers buddy! Jeff"


Keith from Pingree grove , IL

"When I heard the news that Jim had passed, I was heartbroken. He was such a good man and friend. I was so incredibly glad when I heard he was engaged to Michelle and so happy. My heart goes out to Michelle. Michelle, we don’t know eachother but I’ve been informed about you through Jim. He’s never golfed better! Rest In Peace buddy!"


Melissa B from Wayne, IL

"Jim was a good neighbor for many years. We enjoyed playing cards and bags with lots of laughs. My heart goes out to Maria and Tracy for your loss. Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Rest In Peace Jimmy! 🙏"


A friend from Bartlett, IL

"I’ll miss you incredibly, Jim! Michelle brought complete happiness and love back into your life. It was beautiful to see she filled the void that was missing and more. Rest In Peace friend!"


Mickensey Pezzute from Maple park , IL

"Maria I’m so unbelievably sorry for you loss, I love you. Where do I start with the memories with Uncle Jim?! There were so many good ones!! Boating/Tubing at lake delvan was one of my favorite! And going to the dells all the time, I remember making your parents breakfast in bed (burnt scrambled eggs and burnt toast) and your dad just smiling and eating it, even though it had to be horrible haha. Rest In Peace Uncle Jim, you’ll be missed!"


Rich Thiele from Algonquin, IL

"Praying for you Michelle and Kantak family. Words don't do justice to what Jim means to Jordan and I. With Jim there was never a dull moment and his optimism in stressful times pushed the people around him to achieve more. We are heartbroken but that pain reminds us of what Jim means to us and ensures he will never be forgotten. Miss you Jimmy. Thank you for everything."


Cassie Gothard from St. Petersburg , FL

"My heart goes out to all friends and loved ones grieving at this time. Uncle Jimmy was always there to lend a hand. My favorite part was his love for animals and his contagious laugh. I hope we can see pass this troubling time and celebrate his life and the people who loved him so much. Many prayers. Love Cassie"


Patricia Smith from St Charles , IL

"So enjoyed our great times together at Wine Exchange,concerts, dinners out at steak house and other small restaurants and pubs. We had a great group that always showed up for laughs and cocktails. Loved your bear hugs and big smile. U r missed."


Carol from Arizona, AZ

"So sad and missing Jim, he was so funny I love the photo you choice it’s so much him, truly a quiet man, but when he spoke people l listened, as they new it’ would be important, such a great family man, loved his family dearly , and bragging on and on about Marias talents, best boss and friend ever. you’re going to be really truly missed,."


Lewis from Bartlett, IL

"Michelle and Diane we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy and great neighbor who will be remembered fondly."


Joanie Morgan-Hartlaub from Naperville, IL

"Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him! He was a great guy and a visitor with his family Tracy and Maria at our lake house in Delevan WI! He and Tracy raised an awesome daughter whom I’m so sure he is very proud of! Thoughts and prayers to the whole family!"


Doug and Sue from Bartlett , IL

"What a great guy, gone too soon. I’m so happy you found your soulmate in a Michelle these last few years and my heart breaks for her. May you Rest In Peace."


Leno from North Aurora , IL

"I was saddened to hear of my friends passing he was a great friend & father I had recently met his daughter Maria he brought by to meet me and the family as she had a love for horses, he sold me a beautiful red Corvette I’ll never forget as I bought it from him and my twin boys loved it, Rest in peace Jim you’ll be greatly missed"


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