James "Jim" Oliva, Sr., 59, of Elgin, passed away on February 17, 2022.
James was born in Havana, Cuba on November 3, 1962, to parents Esmerito and Nelly (nee Almarales) Oliva. James was a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned his architecture degree. He had a passion for the arts, and enjoyed spending time at museums and concerts. He loved photography, music, being outdoors and cooking. He was a proud fan of the Chicago Bears but also enjoyed the Bulls and the White Sox. His true joy in life came from his relationship with his family. His children were his whole world and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He always said that they were his biggest blessing in life. He was lovingly called "Papa" by his children. He touched the lives of every person that he ever met. He truly had a big heart, was highly intelligent, humorous, and a hard worker. He was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle and friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
May he Rest in Peace.
James is survived by his mother, Nelly Oliva, his children, James “Jimmy” Oliva, Jr., Emily Oliva, and Nelly Oliva, his siblings, Richard Oliva, Jalylee "Jaly" (Scott) Townsend, and Desiree (Julio) Barcenas, and his niece and nephews, Brandon (Sandy) Townsend, Natalee Townsend, Anthony Barcenas, Jeremy Barcenas, Bradley Barcenas, and Wesley Barcenas. James was affectionately called Big Bear by his niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Esmerito Oliva.
Visitation for James will be Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 2 p.m. to time of service 5:30 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. He and my brother, Eric Johnson, were friends in high school/college and he was always so nice to me. He will be missed. My prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your brother, Richard. Please know that me and my family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these sad times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Aceptar la partida de un ser querido es muy difícil y complicado,solo comprendiendo que ese ser amado dejo de sufrir le damos paso a lo desconocido...EPD,mi primo,gracias por el cariño que siempre me diste....mi abrazo fuerte para mamá Nelly , sus hijos y sus hermanos.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Jim’s mother, brother and sisters, and his children after Jim’s untimely passing. Jim was the greatest of friends to me through high school, college and the many years afterward. We shared many laughs, good times and heartfelt talks over the years. It was clear how much he loved his children and wanted only the best for them. He spoke of them constantly with immense pride, looking forward to the next time he could see them in person. His family was everything to him and I was lucky enough to feel like my family and I were part of his family. I will miss him greatly. Rest now in the Lord’s peace Jim.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss. My sympathies to the family.
Jimmy, Melly and Emily our deepest condolences to you and your family. May your Dad rest in eternal peace. Your Fad will always live in your hearts. Todd and Carmen Eisinger
Hard to believe he's gone. So sorry for your loss.
I’m truly in grief and will always remember James Oliva as a kind and caring man who is the Father of three great inspiring kids who I am lucky enough to know and I Alex montes will miss a one of a kind man such as Mr. James Oliva. May he Rest In Peace with him watching over the rest of his loved ones.
To the children and family of the great man James Olivia, I offer my deepest condolences. I never was given the chance to meet James, but by the way his children carry themselves and act towards others you can truly see that he was an amazing father and a wonderful friend to anyone he met. I like to believe he will never truly be gone, for he will live in the hearts of all the people that had the blessing of knowing him. You will be missed, James Oliva.
To the children and family of the great man James Olivia, I offer my deepest condolences. I never was given the chance to meet James, but by the way his children carry themselves and act towards others you can truly see that he was an amazing father and a wonderful friend to anyone he met. I like to believe he will never truly be gone, for he will live in the hearts of all the people that had the blessing of knowing him. You will be missed, James Oliva.
I sadly never had the chance to meet James, but through his kids I was able to see the amazing man he truly was. His legacy and his love will be carried through everyone he held dear to his heart. I’m so sorry for your loss and know that I will be praying for you all.
I’m truly in grief and will always remember James Oliva as a kind and caring man who is the Father of three great inspiring kids who I am lucky enough to know and I Alex montes will miss a one of a kind man such as Mr. James Oliva. May he Rest In Peace with him watching over the rest of his loved ones.
There is not enough words to express the grief that I feel over the passing of such an amazing man. I was given the blessing of being able to meet James Oliva and instantly I knew how pure and kind-hearted of a person he was. He had such a caring soul that showed love to everyone around him. He was such an inspiring father to three incredible children and he will forever continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones. He has made a difference in so many lives and he will be profoundly missed. I pray that his soul will Rest In Peace.
I sadly never had the chance to meet James, but through his kids I was able to see the amazing man he truly was. His legacy and his love will be carried through everyone he held dear to his heart. I’m so sorry for your loss and know that I will be praying for you all.
you all are in my mind during this difficult time and i pray that you find comfort in your friends and family during this difficult time. although i’ve never got the chance to meet him; i know how much his children meant to him and how amazing of a man he was. all his love and your memories with him will remain within you, he will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.
you all are in my mind during this difficult time and i pray that you find comfort in your friends and family during this difficult time. although i’ve never got the chance to meet him; i know how much his children meant to him and how amazing of a man he was. all his love and your memories with him will remain within you, he will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.