James Joseph Crowley

James J. Crowley, Jr., 78, of Oak Park passed away peacefully on September 23. Jim was born on June 25, 1944 to the late James Sr. and Mary Agnes (Cameron) Crowley in Chicago. Jim graduated from St. Cornelius Grade School in 1958 and Quigley Preparatory Seminary in 1962. He subsequently obtained degrees in Theology and Philosophy at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. After leaving the seminary early, Jim taught Theology at Notre Dame High School for Girls. He always had a passion for helping others in need. Jim went on to pursue this passion in another field. He obtained his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and clerked on the Illinois Appellate Court before beginning his long career as a successful attorney. He worked at several Chicago law firms until he opened his own law office in Oak Park. His practice was varied, ranging from family law to commercial and probate disputes. But whatever the topic, he was a creative and loyal advocate for his clients, no matter how imperfect their situation was. Drawing on his years of experience, he enjoyed using his skills to help people. He regularly took on pro bono representations, usually without recognition.

Beyond his dedication to his legal practice, Jim was dedicated to the Catholic Church. He was a long-time parishioner of Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, where he attended daily services and was widely known throughout the congregation. An avid researcher of unfamiliar topics, his favorite hobby was exploring his family’s history, tracing his roots back to Ireland and the American Civil War.

Above all, Jim was the loving father of Joseph (Anna), James C. (Dariya) and Julia Crowley; the proud ‘Gramps’ of Clara and Clark; dear brother of Kathleen (the late James) Abbott, Mary (Brian) Roscoe, Michael (Lou Ann), Martin (Cathy) and Stephen (Jennifer) Crowley; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews; precious cousin to many Crowleys and Camerons; and dear friend of Judy Caron.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 8:30a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge. A Memorial Mass will be held immediately following at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 140 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Mass 10 a.m. (Mass can be viewed at www.spc-church.org and click on LIVESTREAMS) Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls at donate.mercyhome.org.

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