James Eisenberg Obituary

Eisenberg, James

It is with great sadness that the extended family of James "Jim" Eisenberg announces his passing. Jim was born on April 17, 1930, and following a brief illness died on April 7, 2023.

Jim had many acquaintances and a handful of close friends. If you were lucky enough to be in this later group, Jim would do anything for you. His elegant parents, Sam and Celia, raised Jim in Winnetka, Illinois where he attended New Trier High School and matriculated to Carleton College from which he graduated in 1948. He then married, started a family and moved to Highland Park, Illinois.

After a few years of driving around the middle third of America selling dresses and jewelry for his father's business, Eisenberg Originals, Inc., Jim joined the Vienna Sausage Company, now known as Vienna Beef, in 1955 and stayed there for the rest of his life. Under his leadership, Vienna Beef grew from a local branded specialty meat company to the multifaceted international food company which it is today. He never quit working, logging almost 70 years with this iconic Chicago-based food company.

Jim also held many advisory positions. He was the non-executive chairman of XDX Refrigeration, director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, The Central National Bank, FIJ, and the American Meat Institute.

One of his greatest joys was introducing Vienna Beef products around the globe, especially to Japan and China. Jim traveled to these places extensively and forged friendships which lasted his entire life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elin and his sister June. He is survived by his brother Karl, his son Jamie, his daughter-in-law Jackie, her two children Erik and Jessica Lambert, his grandson Sam and Jim's wonderful soulmate Jane Woldenberg. Jim loved his family dearly.

Jim had highly defined tastes in art, food, cigars, golf clubs and clothing. The brightness of his clothing was eclipsed only by his smile. He would tell you the truth, no matter what. If you needed something, he would give it to you. He was totally loved by hundreds of Vienna Beef employees, suppliers and customers.

The world is a better place because of Jim.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Eisenberg

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5 Entries

James Rickards

August 20, 2023

Hey uncle jim, need to catch up with you!! If you are around tomorrow which is today your time I'll give you ring and catch you up on life. Hope you are well, thinking of you lots of Love!! Your godson Jimmy x

This was the last message I sent to you. It´s hard to say goodbye to someone who only gave you unconditional love from the moment you too your first breath. Thank you for your unconditional support, advice and lessons on life. Thank you for your unwavering belief in me. I will miss our conversations and your enthusiasm of life, whenever you picked up the phone I can hear you bellowing down "WELL HI THERE JIM! HOW ARE YOU!!" You have created memories that I cherish with my heart. I love you uncle Jim I´m so honoured to have had you as my godfather!! Massive love as well to all your family and Jane! I can´t wait to catch you up on my life again.

Love Jimmy

Peter Rickards

August 18, 2023

Oh my gosh, we have been trying to get in touch with Jim our dear good friend for over a month just for our usual catch up from New Zealand. We are so very sad with the news of his passing but are blessed to have had him as part of our family and Godfather to our son James! We have many memories to look back on with Jim (and Elin & Jane) both in the US, Canada and New Zealand. We have flyfished with Jim on many occasions and even organised a sliver service lunch via helicopter on top of Mt Owen New Zealand celebrating Elin's 60th birthday. Jim just told me " make it special Peter" That was Jim - he loved his family and best mates.
We will miss you Jim LOVE Peter Kate and James Emily and Rebecca Rickards

Don Ferris

April 30, 2023

Although I was not a high ranking officer at my company, Jim was always very cordial and inordinately friendly with regard to our business dealings. I always felt honored to have a man of his position treat me with such respect and dignity. I see many of his people at Vienna Beef loved and revered him and it is definitely easy to see why. Jim will be sorely missed.

Betty Van Gelder

April 24, 2023

I was very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May the love of family and friends help you through your grief.

Monica Lang

April 19, 2023

Jim was a stand up guy. He will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with the Vienna Beef account many years ago. He exhibited an impressive genuine demeanor at all times. Kindness, respect and love for his family and Vienna Beef were his cornerstones. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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