James M. Booth

James M. Booth, 95, of Beach Park, IL, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on November 19, 2024 in Kenosha, WI.

He was born on August 30, 1929 in Smithville, MS, to John L. and Susie F. (nee Pearce) Booth. At the age of four, James and his family moved to Zion where he attended Zion Public Schools. He graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School, class of 1947, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University in 1951. He and Flora Lynn Schwager were married on March 29, 1952 in Zion, IL. James served in the United States Air Force from 1951 until 1953, then with the Reserves from 1953 until 1961. He began his work career with Johnson Motors, serving as Assistant Sales Manager from 1953-1963. He was the President of Booth Schwager & Associates, Inc. from 1963 until 2015. James was a board member of the Lake County Public Water District from 1974 until 1994, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1979 until 1994. James was an active member of the Zion Church of Christ. He helped to establish the Waukegan Church of Christ and Zion Church of Christ, as well as serving as an Elder and Bible Class Teacher. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

James is survived by his loving wife, Flora Booth (nee Schwager); children, Timothy J. (Jeanne) Booth, Thomas J.(Diana) Booth, Susan J. (Jerry) Hieb (nee Booth); grandchildren, Jaclynn Benjamin, Jennifer Booth, Kristin Sheppard, Gregory (Courtney) Booth, Kelsey Hieb, Joshua (Hunter) Hieb; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susie Booth; grandson, Matthew Booth; and great-grandson Julian Benjamin. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Evangelist David Padfield, officiating. Interment will be private for the family at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the United States Air Force Museum Foundation would be appreciated.