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Lilly, James Joseph 43, of The LaGrange Highlands. Beloved husband of Nora Cahue; loving father of James, Jr., Christian and Michael; devoted son of James and Elizabeth Lilly; dear brother of Antonio (Stephanie), Thomas (Cheryl), the late Danny and the late James; fond uncle of many; dear son-in-law of Carmen Cahue. Visitation 3 to 9pm Friday, December 28 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Prayers 9:30am Saturday, December 29 at the funeral home to St. Cletus Catholic Church for Mass at l0am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the trust fund to be set up for James' children are appreciated. Jim was an accomplished world-class wheelchair athlete, representing the United States in several Olympic games. He was a public speaker, working with inner-city school kids to help them stay on the right track by sharing his story. He was paralyzed at the age of 15 by gun shot wounds he suffered. After competing in countless races, he won the world's longest wheelchair race, covering 276 miles of dramatic terrain from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska. James is the only person in the world to complete the race 9 times. Funeral home phone: 708-352-6500
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Miss you friend. You are not forgotten.
Shawn Meredith
Friend
December 26, 2023
Happy Birthday my friend. I miss you and think of you often.
Tony Iniguez
Friend
December 20, 2023
Miss you buddy.
Tony Iniguez
December 20, 2021
James, I think of you often dear friend, especially on your birthday. Nora, Jimmy, Christian and Mikey my thoughts are always with you.
Tony Iniguez
Friend
December 20, 2020
Miss you dear friend.
December 22, 2013
Think of you often, James. You were a true friend. Love you, miss you.
Tony
December 22, 2013
May he rest in peace may James Jr and his sons josh and yandell cherish the little time they had with his dad and grandsons
sarah-(melinda) leal (torrez)
January 26, 2013
We were very sorry to hear about this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. James was a decent man and good neighbor. He will be missed.
Bill & Michelle Schaeffer
January 14, 2013
Nora,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My life is richer having known him. He always had time to speak with me, and share his knowlege and experiencthereby sharing his story with many others. You and the boys are in my thoughts.
richard holicky
January 2, 2013
james, you will always be inspirational to me and my family members. we never officially met, but my aunt was a friend of yours who always watched for your successes. my prayers are with you and your family.
Vanessa
January 1, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. My husband knew James when he was a teenager probably sold him one of his first portable hand controls. I knew James from the RIC Breakers Softball team from 1990 along with Greg Ridley( may he RIP). We watched him spread his wings and become a great man. What s great athlete he was. i can't imagine doing the Alaska race 9 times. Wow! We send our deepest condolences to his family. We will say prayers for you. Kristi & Larry
Larry Labiak
December 31, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with James as he was a motivational speaker in Cicero several times. One time he came to my school with his son. He made his son shake my hand and say "pleased to meet you". I'm sorry for your loss, but your boys will grow up to be great men because of thier father's love.
Linda Ciello
December 30, 2012
Please accept our condolences in the loss of your loved one. May the knowledge that God is healing the brokenhearted ones (Psalm 147:3) provide a measure of comfort to the family during this difficult time.
Lynn
December 30, 2012
My condolences. My prayers are with you.
Mitch Johnson
December 30, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Nora and the boys! If you ever need someone to talk to we are here for you! Brenda and John O'Laughlin
December 30, 2012
Our condolences from the Ortiz family your neighbor and friend our boys /kids go to school togeather and play football togeather I will never forget you your energy smile and inspiration everyday!!! I will miss speaking to you as I wait in the carline for the kids but will carry your smile! Love michell ortiz and family your neighbors!
Michelle Ortiz
December 29, 2012
God Bless
Denise Blue
December 29, 2012
I have never met Mr. Lilly but read about him in the paper today - what an inspirational person he was. My sympathy to his wife, sons and family.
December 29, 2012
James you are fondly remembered as the one making us all laugh in class as we grew up in Graves. It's a real blessing to hear that you later triumphed over tragedy and inspired so many to do the same. That's a legacy and the mark of a real man. May God give your family strength and peace during this difficult time. God Bless
Christine Bougiotopoulos
December 29, 2012
So sorry to hear of Jim's death. I was one of his band director's at Graves Elementary and liked him so much. I was happy to read in the paper that he was speaking to troubled youth and living a full life. Much Sympathy to his family.
Sarah Good
December 29, 2012
My prayers are with you, your family, friends and most certainly with James. The many accomplishments of James have not gone unrecognized and inspire many.
Shirley Mayor
December 28, 2012
May you rest in peace James Lilly.
Isabel Mata (Gomez)
December 28, 2012
James, you were such a big part of my life when I first got into racing. I loved being part of the RIC Lightning with you, Gary, Suzi, Karen and the rest....
You pushed me to be my best ....I wouldn't have made it to the Paralympics without you.
I will miss and hold you in my heart always. My love to Nora, the boys, your Mom and Dad and brothers.
Peace to you, dear friend.
Linda
Linda Mastandrea
December 28, 2012
May your light continue to shine on others. You may be gone but never forgotten. The mark you left on others will never be erased. God Bless..
Debbie Hrncir
December 28, 2012
To the Lilly Family: even though I didnt get to know James as well as others, I followed his career and his story. He was such an inspiration to others. My prayers go out to you. May the memories you shared carry you though this time of sadness and sorrow. God Bless
Debbie Hrncir
December 28, 2012
Our deepest condolences to your family on James passing. We will keep all the Lily family in our prayers.Childhood friend since the 4th grade back in Argo-Summit, you will be missed my friend. We will be attending the wake this evening.
Gylmar Ponce and family
December 28, 2012
Our hearts go out to Nora and the boys. James was a valued member of our team, he and his family will not be forgotten.
Martin Morse
Head Coach(retired)
University of Illinois(UIUC)
Wheelchair Track and Field Team
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Growing up in Argo-Summit, I knew him as a childhood friend of the community.
Raquel Nieto-Ayala
December 28, 2012
My condolences
Martin Herrera
December 28, 2012
To the Lilly Family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. James and my brother were good friends in elementary and jr high school and through their friendship I got to know him. May you find comfort in memories and strength in each others love throughout this difficult time.
Armando Garza &
Olga Garza-Friedrich
December 28, 2012
My sympathy to Jim's family during such a difficult time. I too went to Graves with Jim. He was always making people laugh. I had absolutely no idea about all his accomplishments until I read this. What a way to turn life around-he did some great things! I was just dancing with Jim almost a year to this date...who would have known. RIP Jim - you are now without pain... Heaven is about to get a little crazier - in a good way :) SHOW 'EM WHAT YOU'VE GOT!
Lisa Gonzalez
December 28, 2012
My thoughts, prayers & deepest condolences to the Lily family. Jim was a childhood friend of mine. He will always be in our hearts & never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Maria Gonzalez
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nora, the boys and the family. James we will miss you -- your smile, enthusiasm, tenacity, competitive spirit and desire to be of service will stay on with us.
Peace Brother.
Scot Hollonbeck
- college buddy and racing friend
Scot Hollonbeck
December 28, 2012
James baby,we just started to know each other.I wish you could have stayed longer. So, sorry Nora, hold tight to the boys like never before. Jim and Jeannette, sorry we couldn't be there for you.
Russ & Irene Carpenter
December 27, 2012
To the Lilly family, my sincere condolences for your loss. Jim and I were classmates at Graves and after hearing about his passing so many childhood memories came racing through my mind. From the times he would come to school in his boy scout uniform to his silly class clown antics. I wish you all strength through this difficult time. God Bless...
Sonia Nieto-Crowther
December 27, 2012
James I cant believe your gone brother. Its so hard to comprehend. I remember the times we used to chill in the yard on cp and lyons,Im gonna miss u brother. Thank you for showing me how to deep fry a turkey u opened my taste buds and im forever gratefull!! Our prayers go out to your whole family, especially nora and the boys. Till we meet again my brother.
TORRES & ANGELES FAMILY
REST IN PARADISE!!!
Hector Angeles
December 27, 2012
Dear Jeannette, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Julie Wanda
December 27, 2012
James we are going to miss you. What you taught us is no matter what keep going forward. you were an example for everyone. A great roll model. especially for my son Andy. My condolences are with your family.
Monica lopez
December 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Allen, Vonda, Alex Schure and Amanda Schure- Croucher Lagrange Highlands
December 27, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of James passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
your neighbor, Joan Schroeder
December 27, 2012
Thank you for showing me, and as we say at Schwab Rehab, "because life doesn't stop for a Disability". I met James 14 years ago during a presentation he did at this rehab center. He was driving, doing marathon's, pushing his racing chair while he was on his personal, just did Alaska and wanted to get more people into sports. He believed that I can do the same....Thank you again, my old friend, all i have i condolences to your kids and wife, they come from the heart. As long as there are wheelchairs and marathons, James you will be remembered, nos volveremos a ver hermano.
Ramon Canellada
December 27, 2012
James was one of the original "Barracks Boys" Tony Iniguez, Scot Hollonbeck, James Briggs. This group traveled around the country to numerous races. Lilly was a great competitor and always gave his best at everything he ever tried. He always knew how to make us laugh when things got stressful. He was feisty, intense and bold. I am proud to have known him. love, "Whitey"
Brad White
December 26, 2012
Rest in Peace, James.
Kris Kreutzmann
December 26, 2012
I will miss my dearest friend James. He gave me courage, strength and unconditional support. You will always be remembered and loved dear friend.
Tony Iniguez
December 26, 2012
Shawn Meredith
December 26, 2012
I am so very saddened to read of the passing of James. He was an incredible athlete and a wonderful person.
Anne Hart
December 26, 2012
We are sorry for your loss Nora. It breaks our hearts to hear this tragic news. We grew up knowing him as to be one our uncles. He was a known, long-time family friend and will forever be remembered. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Paul & Patty Rodriguez
December 26, 2012
I was shocked and saddened to hear of this. My sincerest condolences to his family. James was a great guy and will be truly missed by many. May peace be with him.
Shawn Meredith
December 26, 2012
Rest well my friend.
Jeffrey Fisher
December 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Nora! You and your family are in my thoughts!
Kelly Timmerman Edgar
December 26, 2012
WE ARE SO SORRY TO LEARN OF JAMES PASSING,HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED!
DAVE LETTS
December 26, 2012
We are so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your memories bring comfort and peace.
The Metz Family
December 26, 2012
The news of James' passing greatly saddens me. My prayer go out to James & his family during this mournful time. I knew James through the RIC & public speaking, he's a great guy and will be missed by many.
Lloyd Bachrach
December 26, 2012
So sorry to hear of James passing. A great motovational, upbeat person, the best we have known. Nora and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean and Rick Hoffman
December 26, 2012
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Funeral services provided by:
Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525
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