James M. Geiger, Sr., 77, of Huntley, IL, passed peacefully July 21, 2023, surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mimi F. Geiger.
Jim was born May 17, 1946 the son of Charles and Annetta Geiger. On July 1, 1967, he married Mimi Yapelli. The couple met on a blind date and remained together in accordance with their sacred vows.
Jim was a Physical Education teacher and coach at Northwood Junior High in Highland Park for over 30 years. During his summer breaks he worked as the assistant director and director of RRR Day Camp in Cary, Illinois. Jim served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves 1969-1975. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Jessica Divelbiss and Jim Geiger Jr, by his grandchildren, Kaela, Luke, Joey, Mary, Christopher, and Stella. Brothers and sisters Allen, Paul, Susanne, and Martha. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Heather, Chuck, Bob, Paul, Sandor, Aaron, Ross, Creighton, and Andrew.
Wake will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley, IL. Visitation Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 9am until the time of the 10am Mass all at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior Foundation. For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. Jim and Mimi were 2 of our best friends,my heart is truly broken. I am just trying to remember all the good times we had and all the laughs we shared. May God bless the family,my prayers are with you
So saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Played golf with its him many times including trips to Palm Springs, CA. Great guy. He’ll be missed.
Mr. Geiger was the best teacher I ever had. He taught me how to laugh at myself, compete, work hard and was a nice caring person when being that way wasn’t necessarily en vogue during the era. I will always remember when I needed to quit playing varsity basketball my junior year of HS he reached out to me and asked me to coach with him. He didn’t judge me during a time I felt very judged. He just wanted to help. Now instead of going home and feeling sorry for myself I had somewhere to be and people I could help contribute to. Thank you Mr. Geiger. I always have and I always will carry you around in my heart.
Mr. Geiger was one of the best teachers/coaches, overall great guy. Condolences to his family.
We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. It is certain that died with a broken heart. Prayers for strength, peace and comfort.
I heard the passing of Mr. Geiger. I had the pleasure to have him as my PE teacher at Northwood Jr. High and was my was my 1 and only coach for softball on his team Geiger's tigers. I was a student from 1991-1994. Mr. Geiger was a great person and was a lot of fun to be around. He had so much patience when teaching. I will always remember the memories at Northwood with him as my teacher.
Jim and Mimi were our neighbors just two doors away since we moved to Timber Creek January 2021. They were gracious and kind people, always had big smiles and warm words. Jim is reunited with Mimi; we’re certain he is so happy with her in Heaven.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Geiger passing. My thoughts are with the family. Mr. Geiger was the best PE ever! I was his student at Northwood from 96-99.
Sending my most heartfelt condolences. I was a student of Mr. Geiger’s NJH class of ‘99. Many years later I ran into Mr. Geiger and enjoyed a drink with him. His ability to see the good in any situation and humor was still the same as I remembered. A great spirit, thinking of his friends and family during this time.
It was our pleasure and privilege to have known Jim and Mimi - unfortunately for too short a time. They were great neighbors and a delight to be with. Our impromptu conversations with Jim as he walked Mia will remain fond memories for us. Our sincere sympathies go to his family. Know they both will live on in the hearts of those who knew them through fond memories.
Mr. Geiger was my gym teacher and also was my 8th grade basketball coach in '94/95. He remains my favorite basketball coach I ever had. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Best PE teacher. Always with a smile. Always encouraging his students. Thank you Mr Geiger made for making a huge impact on me and being one of my unforgettable teachers of my life. May you rest in peace
I was so saddened to hear Mr. Geigers passing. One of the best from Northwood Jr High! I have the best memories of jr high and he was one of the reasons. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Rest easy coach!
My deepest condolences to Jessica and the entire Geiger family
Mr.Geiger was the absolute kindest and most motivating teachers and coaches. I remember him vividly at Northwood, Class of 79’. He changed so many lives. Even showed up at our class reunion many, many years later!! May he rest in peace.
Everyone loved Mr. Geiger. He was the best. He gave every student an equal amount of attention and respect, whether they were a star athlete or a regular person. Haven't seen him since the 80s, but will always remember him as a class act, a great teacher, and a caring dude. RIP. Condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear of the terrible news . I had the honor to be on the opposite team playing against Coach Geiger in 1987-1988 when Elm Place played Norrhwood .
My condolences on your loss. I knew Jim as a teacher’s aide at Northwood and later as a girls’ basketball coach. He was a great guy full of lots of personality and always a friendly smile! May he rest in peace!
A great person. I was part of his first year of teaching and coaching at Northwood. First class individual many in my class remained friend with Jim into our forties. Always had a great time with him when we had our Northwood Reunions. Prayers to his family, Rest in Peace
I am so saddened for your loss. My children attended NJH and Mr. Geiger was definitely a favorite teacher and a wonderful man. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will always remember and adore Mimi and Jim. They were so kind and nice to me. My deepest condolences.
I was a Wrestling teammate with Jim back in 1969-70 and University of Illinois Chicago Circle. Jim was a few years older than me but I remembe him as being one of the nicest guys on the team and also a fierce competitor. Nobody worked harder in practice and had more fun doing it. Always a smile on his face and something nice to say. He came to our wrestling reunions some 50 years later and still had the same charisma and warmth that his teammates loved being around. Our UIC Wrestling family will surely remember Jim for the outstanding person he was.
Jim and I were physical education teachers together at Northwood when I started my career at the age of 21. Our families became very close and I was Aunt Kathy to Jess and Jimmy. And Uncle Jim and Aunt Meem to my daughter. For 50 years we were the best of friends, being there for one another: laughing., fun times and supporting each other during our losses and sadness. Loved you so much, Jim and miss you lots. Thank you for being my dearest best friend forever❤️❤️
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. As a Wrestling teammate of Jim’s at UICC my recollection of him was that he came from East Leyden HS which had a very good reputation as a top notch HS Wrestling team. As a teammate at UICC Jim was always a hard worker and gave his all as part of the team. His wife Mimi was the love of his life and he always spoke about her in glowing terms. Jim was always a most positive guy and a pleasure to be around. May he Rest In Peace and be with his wife Mimi.
Jim will be missed by so many. He was always so thoughtful and there to volunteer his help. Mimi would jokingly call him my boyfriend, as he was always watching out for us. He bought me an alarm keychain to bring on showings and several times showed up to check and make sure I was safe when meeting clients for the first time. I am picturing him in heaven with Mimi, no more cough, just laughing and loving, watching down on their beautiful family. Rest in Peace, Jim.
I am sad to hear of Mr. Geiger's passing. He was an amazing educator! I think fondly of my experiences with him as I work with my own students. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all.