James Petty

James W. "Jim" Petty, 71, died Monday, November 19, 2012 at his home in Winthrop Harbor, IL, with his wife and care giver at his side. Jim was born August 27, 1941 in Red Bay, AL and a graduate of ZBTHS in 1960. He retired from teamsters Local 301/705 in August 2003. He had worked at City of Zion Landfill, operated the Oak Room Grill from 1970 to 1975. He loved cooking, cars, his motorcycle, trucks heavy equipment and airplanes. He was a member of EAA and attended Oshkosh Fly Ins every year possible. You only had to ask if there were a car show and even better if he could ride his motorcycle there. He even made a seat belt for the bike after Andrew was born in 1983 so he could ride with us the next year. When his work kept him close to home, he joined the Moose Club and also the Lions Club. He enjoyed a few motorcycle trips with friends after his retirement, but travel (long trips) had became difficult with Alzheimer's, he stayed closer to home and when a friend could ride with him, better yet if they would stay and have a Budweiser after returning home. He is survived by his wife Susan Ehle (class of 1971), his daughter Nanette Marie (Jason) Bruch, and his son Andrew James (Amanda Koch) Petty. He was a proud "Big Papa" to his grandchildren Jadon James, Kadon Michael and Aneliese Marie Bruch, and Archer James Petty. He was preceded in death by his parents William Trumon Petty, (Mazie) Irene Petty and twin daughters Christine and Carol Petty shortly after their birth. I cannot express my thanks to friends Gary and Judy Wilson, Louise Pocklington and Harvey Holland whose assistance and support were unfailing. Special thanks to Vitas Hospice for immeasurable support and assistance, Home Instead Senior Care for "Selena" and the support staff, Winthrop Harbor Fire and Paramedics care and compassion shown with Jim when assisting. We hope you can join us to celebrate his life on December 16, 2012 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the North Point Yacht Club, 701 North Point Drive, Winthrop Harbor, IL.