James O'Malley Obituary

We miss him and think of him often to this day.

Dear Marybeth, Jimmy and Katie,
We were unable to attend the services for Jim, but I want to extend my sympathy and prayers to you and your family. He was an angel who came from nowhere at a time we needed a miracle. I will never have the words to express what Jim meant to my family.
He is a special person and we will miss him.

Dear Marybeth, Jimmy and Katie,
I feel so honored and privileged to have been a part of the escort for Jim's funeral. I have known and respected Jim since he came to the 5th District. He has always been one of my most favorite judges. He had the ability to be tough when necessary, yet soft when the situation warranted it. I enjoyed his friendship and feel he honestly cared about what went on in his courtroom and the consequences of his decisions. It was always a pleasure to be in his company and he will be surely missed by all. What I observed at the service was truly inspirational. The tributes given surely made him smile from Heaven above. I have no doubt he was pleased beyond his greatest expectations. Both Jimmy and Katie gave resounding tributes individually and we are all so proud of the way you handled yourselves. The love that was exhibited came as no surprise to me. I will always remember that day in my heart and I look forward to the day that Katie finds her way to the courtroom. May God bless you all and know in your hearts that Jim will be waiting for us in paradise.

DEAR O'MALLEY FAMILY,

I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE SERVICES FOR JIMMY. I MET HIM YEARS AGO WHEN HE WAS A PROBATION OFICER. WE HAD AN IMMEDIATE BOND AS FELLOW SHAMROCKS AND BLUE DEMONS. HE WENT ON TO BE A FINE LAWYER AND COLLEAGUE. WE WERE ALL BLESSED THE DAY HE BECAME A JUDGE. MOST IMPOTANTLY HE WAS A FINE MAN. HE ALWAYS MADE A BAD DAY GOOD AND WHEN YOU LEFT HIM, YOU SURELY HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE.

I WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS AND TREASURE JIMMY AS A FRIEND.

KEVIN BOLGER

Dear Marybeth, Jim, and Katie,
We send you our deepest sympathy for your sudden loss. All of us were so surprised and stunned to read the sad news in the paper. Please know what a good, dear person he was. We send you our support, a blessing, and a prayer that God hold you close during this very sad time.
The Mazzeo family--Victor, Helen, Vic, Andrew, and Tina

Marybeth and family.

Jim was such a wonderful man. He was, what I consider my first REAL boss. But he was more than that. He was an employer, mentor and most importantly, a friend.

Several years after my employment ended with Jim I was planning my wedding and the first thought I had was that I wanted to have Jim perform the ceremony. I called him right up and asked if he would do me the honors and it took him all of a split second to agree. He made that day in my life all that more special.

My condolences to you and your family. He will be deeply missed

unfortunally I was in Florida and did not attend any of the services Jim was a close and dear friend we worked together in Bridgeview for all the years he was their I truly miss him we had many great times together I resigned in January after 15 years at age 75 The death of jim ryan and our jims illness help me make my decision I missed them so much my days in bridgeview were never the same and I could have remained on the bench until December 2010 but it was never the same I lost two great buddies please accept my condolenses and excuse me for my absenseI will never forget my Jims and will remember them in my prayers

Dear Mayrbeth, Jimmy & Katie,

I just found out about Jimmy. I just can't think of the right words to say. He was such a wonderful person. He always brought sunshine, fun and reason to life. We had so much fun with Jim when we were all young demorcrats.

It didn't matter if you were a Judge or a Janitor, Jimmy knew your name and always had a kind word for you (and perhaps a beer or two).

Even though we lost touch in the last few years, Marybeth, you and Jimmy were often in my thoughts.

I feel like I have lost a guardian angel.

My thoughts and prayers our with you all.

Love,
Gloria Wall-Walsh

Dearest O'Malley Family:
Jim was a wonderful person. He always had a friendly smile, a warm greeting, and a concern for one’s well being. When you bumped into Jim, you couldn’t pay for your own cup of coffee, let alone treat him. We will miss seeing him around town. Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Marybeth,
Sharon and I always thought of you and Jim whenever we spoke about the old Ring of Kerry days. I'm so sorry for your loss. I always thought about stopping at Jim's court room to harass him but never got to it, always thought there would be time. Our prayers are with you and your family.

DEAR MARYBETH, KATIE AND JIMMY,MIKE AND I SEND YOU OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ON HEARING OF JIM'S PASSING. WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE ST. BERNARDINE MEMORIES OF HIM AND YOUR FAMILY AS WELL.GAME DAY FOR MIKE, WORKING WITH THE KIDS IN FIRST GRADE.TAKE CARE.MIKE AND DIANE TONER

Dear Marybeth and family,
My deepest sympathies in your time of grieving. I am so saddened by your loss and wish for you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow and loss.

Dear Marybeth, Jimmy and Katie,
We are all SO saddened by the news of Jim's death.
We all remember his zest for life, thoughtfulness in helping others,and the kindness he always showed to our children!
You will continue to be in our prayers and hopefully we'll see each other soon.
Nevenko, Jane , Joe, Kathryn, Anton, & Kristina Buntic

Dear Mary Beth and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Maria Talarico, Rainbow Social Worker

Dear MaryBeth, Jimmy and Katie,
We're so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were unable to see you nor sign the guest book--the crowd was so thick but we wanted to make sure you knew that we were thinking of you and of Jim. When we were talking of Jim, the one thing that came to all our minds was how genuinely happy Jim was to see you. What a great,warm smile. What a wonderful legacy to leave.
May God keep you and Bless you. Jim will be greatly missed.

Dearest O'Malley Family,
Our continued prayers are with your family.

A quote from Aechylus:

Even in our sleep
pain which cannot forget
falls drop by drop
upon the heart until
in our own despair
against our will
comes wisdom
through the awful grace of God.

Dear O'Malley Family:

My name will be unfamiliar to you as Jim and I were friends from grade school - St. Catherine of Sienna. I wanted to extend my condolences and I guess to state the obvious - that Jim was truly a special and kind person. You always felt better after talking to Jim.

I'll say my prayers for Jim and for your family; that you have the strength to get through the coming months. Many caring thoughts are with you at this time.

To the O'Malley family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Dear O'Malley family,
Please accept my hearfelt condolences on your loss. I was a college classmate of Jim and remember him as a warm, always smiling man who would bring kindness and laughter to others on a daily basis. Jim introduced me to Irish music! I never knew Jim to be speechless, except on his wedding day when he was overcome with emotion and love at the altar. Marybeth, I remember you putting your arm around him to steady him. When I think of DePaul and College, I always think of Jim with a smile. My prayers are with you - the community has lost a wonderful person who, I'm sure, is smiling down on us. Be proud. I was glad and honored to have known him.

I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE O'MALLEY FAMILY. AS AN OAK LAWN POLICE OFFICER I HAD THE PREVILEGE TO WORK WITH YOUR FATHER AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ON BEHALF OF ALL THE POLICE IN THE SOUTH SUBURBS THAT YOUR FATHER WILL BE TRULY MISSED. HIS HONESTY SENSE OF HUMOR AND RESPECT FOR THE POLICE WHO APPEARED IN HIS COURT SET HIM APART FROM OTHER JUDGES. THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FELT TOWARDS YOUR FATHER WAS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT HE WAS CONSISTENTLY VOTED TOP JUDGE BY THE POLICE IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT.

Dear Marybeth, Jimmy and Katie,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Father and husband. He was so devoted to his family and so very proud of all of you.
He was a very sincere and loyal man with a very big heart. He was sensitive to the suffering of others. He quietly helped many people that will never know he was their "guardian angel".
His presence will always be remembered and will always be missed.

Dear O'Malley Family,

I had the privledge of working with Jim with the Adult Probation Department. I was so happy for him when he became an attorney and then such a wonderful, fair and such a credit to his profession as a Judge. I will always miss that smile and his big heart, he never forgot his friiends and I will never foget him. May he rest in peace.

Marybeth,
As you know Jim and I became good friends while working at The Adult Probation Department. Barb and I have many fond memories of Jim going back quite a few years. You and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and Barb Riley, Boynton Beach,FL and Minocqua,WI.

During my career as an Assistant State's Attorney I was blessed to have been assigned to Judge O'Malley's courtroom. Those were among the best six months of my life. Judge O'Malley's warmth and kindness are legendary, and I was lucky enough to have had a daily dose for half a year. He touched my life and served as a model in how to get a job done and yet be collegial. He is with me whenever I am in a courtroom. I will miss him, and I know those closest to him will miss him more than I. He and they are in my prayers.

Marybeth, Jim and Kate,
I just received this news this morning from an attorney who was a mutual friend.

Jim and Kate - Your Dad ran my 1992 campaign for State Representative (you were just kids) and I will never forget his generosity of time and spirit. He was one of a kind. He also was the courtroom judge when my daughter Erin as a teenager, appeared before him to account for a Sat. night speeding ticket on 95th street. More than a Judge in that instance - he was a co-parent. Wish I could have recorded the speech he delivered on that day - priceless! Those are just a few - but there are many, many fond memories of a wonderful human being....so many people blessed by his presence. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Our deepest sympathies,his bright spirit will be missed.His kindness will be remembered.

Marybeth, Jimmy, Katie, and Kevin,

I know that these are words that are written and may not convey the feelings that we all have about the loss of "Uncle Jim" (as Kyle and I have always known him by), but please know that your loss is shared by all who knew him and will carry him in our hearts.

The Bernardi's (Scott, Kyle, Zoe, and Lily)

Dear O'Malley Family:

Judge Jim O'Malley was filled with kindness and humanity and brought true honor to his profession as a lawyer and judge. In my 25 years of practice, I can say without any reservation that his warmth, grace, humor, and intelligence made him the best judge I ever knew!

I will always miss this truly good man, and will pray for him and his family. I hope we meet again, Jim.

I used to work with Jim in the Adult Probation Department. My late father Lester knew Jim's mother, who was also a judge. Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim's passing. May the Lord rest his soul.

To the O'Malley family:

My condolences for your loss.

It was always a pleasure to appear before Judge O'Malley. He always managed to make everyone feel at ease through his sense of humor and warm smile. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. He did like to kid around, but it was always in an affectionate way. As he often told newcomers to his courtroom, "you are amongst friends here."

I am confident that he is amongst friends once again.

condolences to the o'malley family
It was always with joy that I looked forward to practicing in front of Judge O'malley
He truly was a wonderful, colorful, decent and fair man and judge
I'm certain that he will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have dealt with him
I'm sorry for your loss
Ronald Kales

I knew Jimmy a long, long time ago. There was nothing he wouln't do for you. If you knew him, you couldn't help but like him. God bless all of you during this very sorrowful time. Our prayers are with you.

Dear O'Malley family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I had the good fortune to work a bit with Jim on functions with my mom (Pat Stout). My prayers are with you all.
Patty Stout

O'Malley family. Our thought's and prayer's are with you . Jim will be missed by all who new and loved him

To the O'Malley family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I hope the family will be able to support each other during this difficult time. Jim was a good friend when we attended St. Patrick High School.

To the O' Malley family:

I am very sorry for your loss. Judge O' Malley was always kind to those who practiced before him. He will be remembered by all for his good humor and his humanity from the bench.

I started my career in Adult Probation with Jim and always found him to be a straightforward and rewarding individual to share time with. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Mrs. O'Malley, and children:

I can't begin to tell you how heartbroken I am over Judge O'Malley's death. He went out of his way many times to befriend me, and most recently, my young son.

I often described him to clients, and associates as being one of the best, if not the best, Judge(s) in Cook County, perhaps in the State. But it was his kind words and friendship to me, especially in my time of need, that characterized him as special.

I couldn't wait to introduce my Son to him. As always he made me feel special when I walked into his court room, this time by stopping court and having his picture taken with my Son at the bench. My boy was thrilled, and marveled at him! Yesterday, when I told him that Judge O'Malley passed away, he said..."you mean that nice man?"

I know how proud he was of his children, as we often chatted in chambers as to their accomplishments. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever need anything.

I will forever miss him, and hope you take solace in knowing that he made the world a little bit brighter for me, and that he had a lasting and wonderful effect on people.

Dear Marybeth, Jim, and Katie,
Please know that Jim and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was a great friend and cousin. He meant a lot to our family. I never had a conversation with him that I didn't walk away from with a smile on my face. May God bless you all.
The Hurley Family
Bill, Martha, Teri, K.C. and Emily

Marybeth, Katie and Jimmy,
Our lives are richer for having Jim as a friend. Peace

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

To the entire O'Malley Clan
May God's peace take you through these next few days. May God's love carry you throughout the years. And may Jim's smile shine down on you from heaven daily. We will keep all of youl in our prayers.

To The O'Malley Family,

We will always treasure our fond memories of Jim. He was a true friend to all who knew him.

You are in our prayers during this time of mourning. May the peace that passes all understanding remain in your hearts and minds.

Marybeth and Family I am so sorry for you loss.. Jim was a great man and a great friend... He wil be missed... But I will never forget the memories... I love you guys.. Come see me at Georges Resturant Love Serafina

Dear O'Malley Family,
He was one of the BEST! A wonderful person to know and have for a friend . His smile would light up everyone around him. He will be missed.
I know God has opened his hands and welcomed him to his kingdom. May you find peace in having Jim, in your lives with all those wonderful memories. Our prayers are with you all.
John and Willa Gennaro

Dear O'Malley's,

What a loss! Jim was a great guy, a gentle soul. We knew him during his Probation Officer days and he was always ready with a smile. We'll sure miss him.

Always, Justice Sheila O'Brien & Judge Wayne Andersen & Family

He was a Great Man / Judge. I only had the opportunity to have dealt with him on one case, but there should be more people on the bench like Judge O'Malley. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Loved him will miss his visits to the snug with his great smile and his warm thoughts for all.Marybeth and kids our deepest sympathy luv ya

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

Nicole and I extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jim had a big handshake, a big smile, and a big heart. He was a pleasure to be with. We will miss him.

Dear maribeth and family. . .I knew Jim from our 95 Campaign and heard of him from all the elder members of the WBAI (who were friends of his mom). He was a barrell of laughs and a good friend to me. My deepest sympathy. (Judge) Lainie Berger

Words cannot express how greatly Jim will be missed. He was a true gentleman and a great friend to many. His smile and sparkling eyes are forever engrained in my heart and mind. With profound sympathy, I remain.

Thoughts and prayers to the entire O'Malley family. Jim was always happy and smiling, ready to help anyone in time of need. He will be missed by many.

Jim was a warm handshake and a welcoming smile mixed with great conversation and a loving heart. He will be greatly missed. Our thougths and prayers are with you, always.

Jim was so great with our kids. He would put them on his bench in his robes and take pictures with them from a Polaroid he kept in the drawer of his desk. He was a big hearted guy who will be missed

Jim will live forever in our hearts and minds. With much love to Marybeth, Jim and Katie. Mike and Joe

Dear MaryBeth,
I was so saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. May the Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father, fill the void in your life with His presence. Carolyn and I will be praying for you and your entire family.

To the entire O'Malley family:
We know how difficult this time is for you. But know that not only during this time, but always, you have a community behind you.
Peace

Sean, Julie, Kevin & Caitlin Monahan

Jim always had a smile on his face. He will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers to the family.