James Casey Obituary

I was the secretary of his school friend who shares the same name. This James J. Casey was an attorney for a large law firm. Our office was on the 95th floor of the Sears Tower. I recall Mr. Casey visiting my Mr. Casey. He sat in my chair and drew me a picture of Sears Tower showing him at the top of the building saying, "Hello Marci, nice view." I came into the office the next morning and it made my day to see what he did. We always spoke on the phone. I could hear my Jim Casey laugh a lot. May both of them rest in peace.

Dear Jim Casey Family,
My name is Mike Festa, my step-father was Walter Spirko, a special friend of Jim. Before he passed, Mr. Spirko had a gavel he used for many, many meetings of the Reporters Assn. This gavel was very important to all concerned, especially to Mr. Spirko(Pop). With proud assurance, I presented this gavel to Jim Casey, with a profound feeling of gratitude that Jim was worthy. Thank You for keeping Walter Spirko and Mary Spirko in the loop so many years, it meant a lot to Pop, and Ma loved the legacy, too. May Jim Casey arrive safely into Our Blessed Lord's Kingdom and if He needs an excellent police reporter, He now has two!! May He rest in the Loving Arms of God. Mike Festa

Dear Casey Family,

I knew your father when we were members of the Christ the King Young Peoples Club. Neither of us were even yet 20 years old. We were the vision of 50's kids - good clean fun and a little romance, dances and friendships. I'm sorry I never kept up our friendship because when I look back over the years, he was one of best people I ever met.

Dear Casey and Dudek Family,
I attended St. Christopher's School with Karrie. Praying for you during this time.
In Sympathy,
Tomika Lyons Carter and Family

Dear Casey family:

I worked with Jim at the Sun-Times in the 1980s, and knew him as a kind gentleman with an easy laugh, a dry wit and a calm demeanor. As a reporter, he knew the good guys from the bad guys, which today marks him as "old school." I say, good for him. If the profession had more beat reporters today who covered their territory as thoroughly as Jim did, perhaps it would not be in such disrepair. My sincere condolences to the Casey family. And Jim, my eternal respect, and I hope you're having a cold one right now.

Dear Casey family,

We met your family while attending Karrie & Mark's wedding. My brother Mark & I helped Jim load up his station wagon afterword & were able to share a laugh while doing so. He was a very nice man & was very proud of his family. We're sure you all have very fond memories of Jim & we hope they bring you comfort.

Dear Judy & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Jim fought a tough battle like a true soldier. We will always remember sharing fun times at OTSN over a Scotch. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Janet and Don Hall

Dear Judy and Family:

We are saddened by Jim's passing and offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jim and I were friends and enjoyed many years and memories together as members of the Chicago Newspaper Reporters Assn. Friendship, humor, loyalty and courage defined Jim. He will be profoundly missed and remembered with fondness by his many friends, colleagues and all those who knew him.

With heartfelt condolances,

Art and Marilyn Aman, Arlington Hts. IL

Jim was a coworker at the Sun-Times and a great guy. He was always upbeat and I never heard him complain about anything. He faced the most serious health issues with undaunted courage. During his absence from the helm of CNRA we always missed him at our meetings. He stood up to his many challenges and now he is at peace.

I wish to extend my condolences. While a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, I met Jim 40 years ago during a stint subbing for the late Joe Morang at CPD HQ at 11th and State Streets. I immediately recognized Jim as a fierce competitor yet true gentlemen. Subsequently, our regular contact at Chicago Newspaper Reporters Assn. meetings confirmed my initial impression of Jim as a warm, caring person. Indeed, Jim was "one of the good guys."

Dear Casey Family,
My Step Dad was Walter S. Spirko, and I knew Jim through Pop. I met Jim at one of the meetings of the CNRA at the Cires Cafe downtown Chicago. I thought the world of Mr. Casey, and I know that Pop would have agreed to give the CNRA gavel to him. So I presented him with this memorial item. Jim was very glad to get it. It is with great sadness, yet, the utmost respect I sincerely extend my condolences to the Casey Family. Mike Festa and Mary Spirko, My his soul rest with Our Great God, forever!