Jim LaBelle

James Clifford LaBelle, 73, of Zion, Illinois, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and public servant, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024 at the University of Chicago Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. His death marks the end of a remarkable 36-year journey with health challenges that ravaged his body but never his spirit. His strength and determination were an inspiration to many.

Beloved husband of Janet ‘Jan’ (née Kuhn) for 52 years; loving father of John (Cathy Marcell), Joe (Andrea), Jay, Jeff (Dale) and Jack (Kelsey); cherished grandfather of Lily, Aaron, Dylan, June, Milo, Charlie, Evan, Levi, Cayden, and Riley.

Jim earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and applied it to a career in public service. He worked for the Village of Carol Stream and as the first Executive Director of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference. After returning to his hometown of Zion, he was elected to the Lake County Board where he served for 20 years and was three times elected chairman. He also served as President of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. During the James Thompson administration he worked as Assistant to the Governor for Local Government, Transportation and Economic Development. The governor later appointed him the first General Manager of North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. For 15 years he was Vice President at Chicago Metropolis 2020. He also worked on transportation issues at University of Illinois Chicago and served on the Metra Board of Directors.

Born on September 4, 1951 in Waukegan, Illinois, Jim was the son of Clifford “Kip” LaBelle, a civic-minded attorney and decorated WWII veteran. His mother, Kathleen “Kathy,” was an active and adoring mother deeply involved in church and community life. His childhood was rich with neighborhood baseball games, Bible studies, Camp Zion, family road trips to national parks, Sunday dinners at his grandparents’ house and memories of a home filled with warmth, music and love.

Jim’s first job was working overnight security for the Zion Park District, a role that came with a life-changing perk—free golf during his employment at Shiloh Park Golf Course. He took full advantage and enjoyed playing for years until his loss of vision. Jim had a winning smile and easy-going nature. He valued the friendship of his classmates. At Zion-Benton High School he was on the golf team, played coronet in the band and performed in school plays and with the Varsity Singers. He was the prom king and elected junior class president. He joked he didn’t seek re-election the following year once he learned senior class officers were responsible for organizing reunions. He knew his limitations.

Jim’s work history was varied but the desire to make a difference in people’s lives was the constant through line. In Lake County he was proud to be a part of developing Thunderhawk Golf Course, Greenbelt Cultural Center and adding many acres to our beautiful forest preserve system. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. At Metropolis 2020 he worked to draft legislation that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), a strong, respected national model for effective regional planning. There were personal highlights as well. He accompanied Governor Thompson and a small team on an eight-day trade mission to China. He was honored to shake the hands of Ronald Regan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Jim experienced the luckiest day of his life in the fall of 1969 at Northern Illinois University. On the first day of freshman English class he spotted his future wife, Jan, sitting two rows over. The last to finish writing their essays, (she because of the writing, he because of her), they left the classroom together marking the start of an epic, enduring relationship built on mutual respect and love. Best friends for life. They were married on July 15, 1972 at St. Patrick Church in Seneca, Illinois.

In 1981 they began the daunting task of rehabbing Jim’s Grandparents’ house after a devastating fire, transforming it into a home filled with laughter, love and cherished family memories. In it they raised their five sons and in time lovingly welcomed their four daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren. Jim relished the roles of “Dad” and “Grandpa”, enjoying every moment he had with his family --birthdays, recitals, sporting events, vacations and more. He was always an encouraging, guiding force in their lives.

In 1988 the family’s path took a dramatic turn when Jim was diagnosed with Stage-4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After months of chemotherapy, he underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant at the University of Chicago Medical Center on Thanksgiving Day, 1990. He was grateful to his donor, his sister Anne, who was a perfect match. He survived that experience physically changed but remained deeply thankful for each day of life. His gradual recovery eventually paved the way for daily commutes to Chicago, family road trips and even an extended once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe with six close friends.

Jim was a shining example of strength and determination. Over the years recurring bouts of cancer and many surgeries took a toll on his body. Each time he drew on his faith and found strength in the support of his family and friends. Among those left to cherish his memory are his sister Janet Spencer (John), brother Len (Stacy), sister Anne Green, brother-in-law Mike Kuhn, sister-in-law Eileen Bustamante (Vince), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In 2018, two years after retiring, Jim wrote a personal anthology titled For My Family – My Life in Five Parts. The work chronicled his family history, life experiences, and the lessons he held dear. One of his reflections, called “Seek Beauty” is printed here:

“To get through my very worst days during the bone marrow transplant, when I was so weak and desperate for relief, I filled my brain with something beautiful to crowd out the pain. That was the first time I thought much about beauty. I would fill my entire consciousness with Jan, one of the boys, a wonderful memory or a beautiful place. Filled with beauty, there was less room for misery. I could breathe easier. It lessened the pain. I continue to do this when things are bad. It helps.

Beauty is more than a pain reliever. It is a motivator. When I have been asked what makes life worth living, I have said, “to seek beauty.” Beauty is different for everybody. It can be found anywhere, in small or big things, in others or within you. Some find it in faith, others in feelings or tangible things. Love is beauty. Courage is beauty. Kindness is beauty. Beauty answers the question, what do you love? Beauty, and seeking it, make life worth living.

Beauty and thankfulness are interconnected. Beauty inspires thankfulness, and thankfulness is beautiful. Beauty and thankfulness feed and reinforce each other. On days when it is hard to find something to be thankful for, think of something beautiful. It will make you thankful.”

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL 60099. There will be a visitation at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders LINK or Camp Zion LINK would be appreciated.