James Tuohy Obituary

With greatest sympathy for Kris and Jim's family. Jim was my son's "manny" for a few months in 1985. Many special memories of a special man.

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing! So much fun seeing him at Barrington HS class of 1952 reunions. Last one in 2016, class just gets smaller and smaller. Jim you brought so much fun and energy into the gathering. RIP. Deepest sympathy to Kris, and Jim's children.

Whether it was Riccardo's, O'Rourke's or, more commonly, Sterch's, whenever I walked into those establishments and saw Jim, I knew that sooner or later I'd be able to talk with him and be delighted. From the early days when I was copyboy at the Sun-Times, to as recently as this past June, I loved spending time with him. Just before leaving Chicago for California, I went to his apartment on Larrabee to give him a computer that I was getting rid of during my move. He looked frail and told me he was feeling melancholy. When asked why, he told me that recently Mark Hannon (a great blues singer and musician and Sterch's regular) had died, and of another other occurrence that escapes me, and the fact that I was moving to California. I told him that I was twice yearly going to California to visit family and friends and that I now will becoming back to Chicago twice yearly to visit local family and fiends, knowing that my heart will always remain in Chicago. For several years that remained my MO, but as time passed, I visited Chicago only annually. I would always check for Jim's availability, with hopes that I could spend some time with him. Fortunately, I was able to hookup with him at various saloons and as recently as this past June, I was able to attend the semi-annual get-together of the Sterch's group and spend some time with him. A while back, I was greatly surprised when once he told me that he was coming to SoCal to visit his sister. We made arrangements to meet at the Chez Jay in Santa Monica (a Sterch's-like joint) and he spent the evening at our house. As I mentioned on a Facebook post following the news of Jim's death way back
when as a copyboy and editorial assistant in the features department at the Sun-Times, I frequently heard of upcoming freebees that were commonplace in those days, and would share the info about them with the cityside guys who would gladly take advantage of an opportunity for free booze and food. I believe it was at the first such occasion that Jim slipped a few bucks to the bartender and leaned over to me and told me to always tip the bartender well at freebees because they'll remember you and pour generously. I'm terribly saddened that he is no longer with us. My condolences to his family and friends

Dear Jim.. our favorite classmate from BArrington High School 1952!We will always cherish our fun times we shared during our school years as well as meeting every 5 years for our class reunions..the last one being our 65th in 2017. We will miss you, friend. Adele and Don Hattendorf

I will remember Jim's sweet, bumbling, joking persona--which hid a sharp intellect. Complex and wonderful guy, one of a kind.

Another story. New Year's Eve, probably 1979/80 or 80/81. Said B., the paintng Algerian, had called in to Sterch's, saying he could not work. Smerch, frantic for a NYE bartender, called me. Bonnie and I really had nothing to do, so I said yes to Bob. Sterch's was eerily quiet that night, small groups or couples just wandered in for a drink and out again. However, at the end of the bar toward the so-called kitchen, stood Tuohy and Rob Warden, both of whom also had apparently nothing better to do. Imagine my luck to have these two guys pretty much all to myself for hours on end. Drinks, a few more and endless tales of the city and laughter ensued.
Thanks, Jim.

Love the reference to the "libation" circuit, and Chicago will certainly miss him riding it. Once and forever, my AUTHOR!!!
Goodbye to a pal.
Jeff Herden (and Bonnie , too.)

Jim Tuohy defined what a real gentleman is, someone who makes you feel better for knowing him. He will live in our hearts forever.

My heart is heavy. The absence of Jim will be felt by many. I cannot imagine what it will be like not to have him in my life.He had the biggest most loving heart and the wonderful ability to make everyone feel they were his best friend. Now he has joined with many friends at Sterch's Sky Bar. RIP dear Friend.