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James Billings Obituary

Billings, James A. "JB" 58, of Ingleside, loving husband of Jackie "JS" Billings, proud father of Jennifer (John) Finnegan, Jamie, Jessica, James E., and the late Katherine Billings, grandfather of Jack, Meryn, Lillianah, cherished son of Marion and the late James O. Billings, caring brother of Patti (Alan) Kieras and Gary Billings, uncle of Brad, Blake, and Bryan. Visitation Friday, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634, where funeral services will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Mr. Billings proudly served in the US Army and is a Vietnam Veteran. Information 773-622-9300 or www.montclair-lucaniafuneral.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 19, 2010.
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JB-13 years have gone by so so fast! We all still miss you like it was yesterday.
Always in our hearts.

Jackie Billings

May 16, 2023

JB, today would have been your 71st. Birthday! Hard to believe as time has passed so quickly. You would be very proud of all 4 kids. They are not kids anymore but have turned into kind, responsible, happy young adults-thinking of you often and they all know you are their guiding light. Forever in our hearts.

Jackie Billings

Family

November 21, 2022

Hey pops. Missing you as always. Baby Lexi will be here any day now! Wish you were here to meet her-spiritually I know you will be. Keep an eye on us dad. We all love and miss you more than words can explain.

Jess

Daughter

May 18, 2021

JB
11 years tomorrow since you left us. Life has moved on for all of us- I know you would be happy about that but...you are always in our hearts and thoughts.
Love JS❤

Jackie Billings

Spouse

May 15, 2021

JB,
10 years ago this time our grieving continued as we knew it was close to losing you. Life has changed a lot since that time, however you are always in our thoughts. Thank you for always being the hidden guiding light in all of our lives. Love and miss you.
JS

Jacqueline Stollar-Billings

May 13, 2020

Dad..not a day goes by that you aren't on my mind. Alot of changes have taken place in mine and Lilli's life that I wish you were apart of. I know physically you cannot be, spiritually, I see signs all over the place. Miss your stories, your laugh, your jokes, even your anger haha. With the holidays approaching its getting harder as it is every year. Just want to let you know you are in my head and in my heart. Miss you as always

-Poops

Jess Billings

Daughter

September 21, 2019

My facebook post
Today is a day I never know how to feel about, another year older just means another year has gone by that my dad has been gone..today marks 6 years since he passed..I remember the day as if it was yesterday..I'm glad I got to be with you when you took your last breath but also extremely pained that you left us so soon...We talk about you often, share stories, we keep YOU alive in spirit, but not having you here has been I think the toughest thing I have faced in my life..I remember you laying with Lilli when she was 5 months old, you were sick at the time and kind of confused, you called her Jessie, my heart broke, it's like you went down memory lane and thought you were laying with me..I didn't correct you..I know we always will share a special bond dad, despite the many ups and downs us as a family faced..I miss you so much and love you even more. I hope heaven is still enjoying your company, until we meet again pops ❤

Jess

May 16, 2016

dad,
another year since you have been gone, we miss you dearly and life just isnt the same without you here. We talk about you all the time, we have to keep the spirit of you alive. I am 26 today, almost done with school and planning to buy a house and get married. Lilli is 6, going into the first grade next year and talks about you often, inquires about you alot, there is so much that she wants to know it amazes me..all memories I wish I could have you here for, breaks my heart that physically you wont be able to. I know you are here with me spiritually though, I feel you with me every day, please continue to watch over all of us..love you dad!

Jessica Billings

May 16, 2016

Morning JB,
Another year has passed-so hard to believe that it has been 6 years. Yes, we have all moved forward in our lives but our hearts still hurt and think of you often. We all know you are watching down on us all and guiding us in your own way. Thinking of you today with a heavy heart.
Love,
JS

Jackie Billings

May 16, 2016

Dad..christmas is approaching in 3 soon days..I know christmas was your favorite holiday..This time of year always sucks for me..I miss you so much and wish you were here to celebrate with all of us..they say time will heal, and time has helped, but so far from healing the pain left when u left this earth..love u bunches..I know you will be here with all of us in spirit..I promise to blast the christmas music just as you have done all the years when we were little..missing you every day
love you,
Jess

Jessica Billings

December 22, 2014

Hi JB,
Can't believe it is now 4 years today since you left us! We all have had our challenges but for the most part are doing o.k. You would be proud of all of the kids as they have become responsible, caring young adults.We still miss you and we talk about you all of the time. You are forever in our hearts and thoughts.
Love JS

Jackie Billings

May 16, 2014

Well dad...its almost that time of year again..in 2 days it will have been four years since you have passed and my birthday. Its super hard to wake up on that day and be happy knowing it was a day that brought me true sadness, but I will because you would have wanted me to. I always think its going to get easier with time, and maybe just a little bit it does, but that doesnt mean I dont think about you every day of my waking life. Its still a hard concept to grasp that you left us. If I could have things my way well, you know I would have never let you go. Me n Jame are going out of town tomorrow to vegas for my bday, you would have told me to have a blast but use my head, I could hear your voice telling me that, it makes me smile :) I know you are here with me and I know you will stand beside me the whole time in vegas on my birthday to watch out for your girls :) I love you more than any words can describe and miss you more than you will ever know. You would also be proud to know how well Im doing in school especially in chemistry yikes! I wish you were around to discuss my critical thinking class with, you were always a creative thinker..Anyways just wanted to let you know how much I love and miss you! till we meet again
<3 poops

Jess

May 14, 2014

daddy,
every day that goes by you would think it would get easier..but in fact it gets harder..i know you wouldnt want me to feel this way..but I cant help it. Truth is I think about you every single day..not a day goes by that you arent on my mind..I see you in my dreams and talk with you..its such a surreal feeling..I know you are here with me..I wish heaven had a phone Id kill just to have a talk with you, let you know how Im doing..Love you and miss you
~Jess

Jessica Billings

March 19, 2014

JB,
Can't believe today would have been your 62nd. birthday. My how the time has flown. Life has changed so much for all of us since you left us. Saying a prayer and thinking of you at this time. Still carrying a heavy heart...
Love,
JS

November 21, 2013

JB,
Time is passing us so quickly. It is hard to believe that today, it is the 3 year anniversary of your passing. You still live on in our hearts and we talk and think of you often. Whenever a situation arises the kids and I always talk about how you would feel about it or how you would handle it. Just so you know you are in our hearts forever.

Love,
JS

Jackie Billings

May 16, 2013

going on three years this thursday daddy..missing u more than ever...why are the best people taken from us? I will never know the answer..I hear your voice and see you in my dreams..I feel your presence..I just wish I could hold your hand, hear your voice..even if it was u yelling at me..I wish heaven had a phone I would call you all the time..miss you so much
~Jessie poo

Jessica

May 14, 2013

Hi JB,

Here it is May again and almost 2 years since you left us. All of our hearts are still heavy and miss you so. We talk about you frequently and express to each other how much we miss you. How life has changed for all of us. The kids are all working hard at trying to find their way in the world-and are doing a great job-you would be proud. I am being the best I can be to carry on and continue my journey without you.
Lots of Love,
JS

Jackie Billings

May 4, 2012

dad,
I miss you more than words can say. I found some old videos of you and lillianah and it breaks me heart ur not here to watch her grow up. shes 2 now and crazy as ever you would love her sense of humor and sense of independance..and she is neat and orderly! something you know Im not! Anyways I start school soon for nursing..I promise im going to make you proud :) LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! itll be 2 years since you have past on my 22nd birthday coming up..i cant believe it..forever in my heart your daughter jessie poo

jessie billings

February 22, 2012

Jimmy,
One year later- In our thoughts as ever. Missed by all of us- It will never be the same.

In Loving Memory,
Mom

Marion Billings

May 17, 2011

JB,

It has been one year almost to the minute that you left us. The sadness is still overwhelming at times but we are all continuing our journey of life on without you physically but you are always in our thoughts.

Today is Jessica's 21st. birthday. You would be very proud of what a wonderful mother she is to Lilli as well as the young woman she is turning out to be. You would also be very proud of Jennifer, Jamie and James-O as they all have wonderful qualities about them and have grown to be respectful, honest and happy people which is all we ever wanted for our children right?

Thinking of you and forever in our hearts.

Your loving wife,

JS

Jackie Billings

May 16, 2011

Uncle Jimmy,
I can't beleive your gone. I remember your sense of humor with all the jokes you told. Your love for fishing and caring for kids will be with me always. Those are somethings some people can't understand. You are in our hearts now and forever.

love and miss you
your nephew

Brad

Brad Kieras

May 14, 2011

Jimmy,
I think of you often. I can't beleive it's been a year since you left us. But you will never leave my heart. i will always remember the Good Times we had growing up. And even the times you got me in trouble with Mom and Dad. But thats something a Big Brother is suppose to do, and I got over it. I knew if I needed help, you would be right there. Just as you were for everyone you knew.
I was proud you were my Big Brother!

Miss you and Love you!

Patuche

Patti Kieras

May 14, 2011

I think of you every waking moment
of every single day,
wondering if this hurt inside will ever go away.
I miss the time we spent together
going here and there,
you making me laugh till I cried,
remembering all we shared.
You have been gone from me for 9 months now,
the time has passed so fast.
I won’t ever forget you JB,
it has been so hard to loose you, now that you have passed.
Lots of Love,
JS

Jackie Billings

February 20, 2011

JB,

We made it through all of the anniversaries in November but this Christmas is just so empty without you. I had a hard time going out to shop as I always had you to help me-Christmas is not the same. You also made the house so beautiful with your personal touches of decorating-I am not as good as you so I kept it to a minimum. We put lights on the little tree you got for me many years ago. You always said, "pretty soon that tree will be big enough to decorate," so I did it this year for you. We also placed a lit angel in our front yard thinking of you.

I know how much you loved this time of year at school and then during your winter break from school. I know you are looking down from the heavens watching over us all.

Just want you to know that we love you and miss you so-my heart aches.

Your loving wife,

JS

Jackie Billings

December 21, 2010

Jimmy,

Thinking of you as always.
You’ll be in all our thoughts.
Remembering all the good times.

Love always,
Mom

December 20, 2010

JB,

This month has been a difficult one for all of us. So many anniversaries; your birthday, the first Thanksgiving and our wedding anniversary all without you being here with us.

We celebrated your birthday this past Sunday, November 21. Jamie made your favorite dinner, we had a cake you would have liked, and lit a memorial candle that burned all night in your honor.

You are in our thoughts all of the time and our tears still flow often.

Love and miss you so,

JS

November 23, 2010

11/21/10

Jimmy,
I think of you all the time. Especially, on this day.
I will always remember the Good Memories of you as my Big Brother.
It is hard to believe you have been keeping Dad company for six months.
I hope you two are also remembering the good times and a family that loved you.

Love,
Patuche

November 22, 2010

Jim, I hope you know how well your family is carrying on despite how very much they miss you. You left an un-replaceable mark on so many. Please keep a devoted eye on your beautiful wife. She is hurting and only a touch from you could lift her up. I am honored to be a family friend and keep you all in my prayers.

October 7, 2010

JB,
My heart is very heavy today as it is every day since I lost you. I think about you all of the time and whenever I have to make a decision in my life, as it is now, I always think, "what would JB" do? Our lives have changed so much and we all miss you so.

May this candle that I have lit for you remain burning forever for the love I have for you.

Thinking and missing you every minute of every day.

Love,

JS

Jackie Billings

June 26, 2010

Jimmy-
I'm finding it so difficult to start this-a Mom shouldn't be writing about her son in the past tense. I know Dad welcomed you with open arms and next to him, Monie Anie and Nana, who loved you with a special love, which you in turn returned. Grandpa and Grandma Billings would be there to see their "Jimmy Boy" (they always called you that). That gives me some comfort. You lived your life your way, and we all went along for the ride, because we loved you. I'm so glad we drove out to Ingleside towards the end-you did love your car rides-even then. We were able to find the cottage at Fox Lake where you spent so many happy hours with Joe, Bryan, and Kenny. As sick as you were, you pointed out different areas-such as catching frogs in the marshes, launching the boats, catching butterflies. Those were happy times for you. I remember the good times you had with your friends as a teenager. Although I may not always have thought them so good!

When you joined the army, during the Vietnam War, and then signed up for helicopter training! Oh, I remember those days which seemed to last forever. Dad and I ate breakfast every morning listening to Wally Phillips on WGN giving the daily casaulty reports. There again you did your way. When you came home-old friendships were renewed. John, Ray, Tim, Terry and others were there and more memories were made. Some of which I never really heard until at your wake (good thing I guess...for me).

You married, had your family, made Dad and I grandparents and eventually great grandparents which we were so proud of. You eventually found your way to Park School. We were to find out at your passing just how that was where you should have been much earlier. You loved your job, loved the children , showed patience giving them care and attention. You were loved in return by the children and their families and the school staff, who spoke so highly of you- a side of you we never knew. There again Jimmy, you did it your way.

I shall always treasure the Sunday before Mother's Day that you told Jackie you wanted to go to "Ma's house". Though a week early we had an impromptu "Brunch". As I sat next to you, I knew time was short. When you left that day, I knew that was my "good-bye kiss". Again you did it your way.

Rest in God's care , Jimmy, till we meet again.

Love as ever,
Ma

Marion Billings

June 17, 2010

Thinking of all of you during this difficult time after the loss of your loved one. With sympathy,

Jan Billings

May 29, 2010

Jimmy,
You were always the Big Brother, I was proud of. We had a great childhood together I will never forget. And I knew you’d always be there if I needed you.
I really believe you were happy in life, and really loved Jackie and your family. You were happy with the simple things in life and always had a smile and kind gesture for everyone.
I missed you, when you moved to Ingleside, but I knew its where you always wanted to live.
Fishing, Garage Sales, and Thrift Stores were your joy. In your thoughtful ways, we all received something you knew we would treasure. I hope you knew how many life’s you touched. It was easy to see how much you loved Park School and your kids there. It was what God have planned for you. And from what I saw and people I talked to, you were loved in return.
My memories of my Big Brother, will always hold a Big place in my heart. Give Katie and Dad a kiss for me, and you and Dad try and stat out of trouble. You will always be in my thoughts, till our Family is together again. “I Love You”
Your Sister
Patuche

Patti Kieras

May 25, 2010

Dear Jacqui, Jennifer, Jamie, Jessica, James and extended family,
Please accept our love and condolences for the loss of your beloved
husband, father, son...May the Lord pour out His healing Spirit and Grace upon your family. Much love and many prayers - Gilbert, Aida and Gibby Rodriguez - El Paso, Texas

May 24, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

John Foss

May 23, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Karen Angsten

May 22, 2010

Dad-

We had your wake yesterday and so many people came to show how much they cared about you and your family. You touched many people's lives, especially the children you worked with.

I look at pictures of you and find it so hard to believe that you're gone. Your life ended way too soon and I'm sorry for that. You should have had many more years here with all of us. I hope you're enjoying your time in heaven with Grandpa, Katie, your friend Larry and all the other people you cared about who already passed. Katie has been waiting 24 years to get to know her Daddy so I hope you enjoy your time with her. Don't worry about us here. You've raised some incredible children who will go on to do wonderful things (with their Dad watching over them). We'll also take care of Jackie, who is an amazing person and wife.

When I think of you, there's a few things that come to my mind: garage sales (I've learned to appreciate them now that I'm an adult), dunkin donuts (You loved their coffee and donuts), fishing (a relaxing activity for you) and how great you were at picking out the coolest and most thoughtful gifts (I still have the tool set you bought for me to use in my classroom and will think of you everytime I use it).

I wish I wasn't saying good-bye right now but God had another plan for you. Rest in peace.

Love,
Your Henny Penny
"Sunshine"

Jennifer Finnegan

May 22, 2010

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the people of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Bridgeport, where James will be remembered at all Masses this weekend. May his family and friends know the healing touch of Jesus Christ during this difficult time!

Fr. Dan Brandt

May 21, 2010

JB,

3 days have now passed since I lost you. When I wake up in the middle of the night I still feel I need to check on you. During the day I think you are just in another room only to realize that you are gone from me forever. I am not a complete person any longer as a big part of me feels so empty. Thank you for sharing the last 26 years of your life with me. We didn't always have it easy but we also did have alot of joy and fun that we shared.

I really think I learned more about JB as the person over this last year of life. Even though you were going through so much medically and emotionally you never once complained. You also maintained your sense of humor and continued to make me laugh.

I miss you so...and will continue to miss you for the rest of my life.

Everlasting love,
Your wife, JS

Jackie Billings

May 19, 2010

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