James "Jim" Morby, born on November 23, 1931, passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and dedication. Born in Chicago, Jim and his parents moved to Oklahoma for a brief time during the Great Depression before returning to Chicago, where he would ultimately build a life filled with adventure and purpose.
During World War II, Jim worked briefly in sheet metal, showcasing his strong work ethic from a young age. He served four years in the Navy as an Electrician Mate First Class during the Korean War, instilling a profound sense of duty and service in him. After his military service, he pursued his education at the DeVry Institute, graduating with a degree in Electrical Instrumentation.
Jim embarked on a successful career as an electronic test engineer with the Rock Island Railroad, where he inspected rails for defects. During this time, he met his future bride, Jeanette Gasper, the love of his life, whom he married in 1957 until she passed away in 2008. Together, they raised three cherished children, Deborah, Clifford, and Derek, who are forever grateful for their wonderful parents. Jim was also very close with his brothers-in-law in Iowa, Ronald, Melvin, and Leon and their wives.
From 1958, Jim excelled as an Electrical Sales Engineer at Arthur Wagner Co. and later at Wayne Electric for 15 years. He co-owned Trans-Tek Inc., an electrical sales equipment and service company, from 1976 to 1991. His professional journey was marked by integrity, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
In retirement, Jim and Jeanette moved to Paddock Lake, Wisconsin, where they devoted their time to volunteering at the local senior center in Bristol. He was a passionate individual who enjoyed a wide array of activities, including bowling, dancing, skiing, sailing, motorboating, pickleball, and traveling. Later, Jim and Jeanette moved to their final home in Del Webb in Huntley, IL. Over his lifetime, Jim explored many U.S. states and ventured abroad to places such as Puerto Rico, Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and China, embracing life to its fullest.
Jim was known for his steadfast faith, genuine spirit of giving, and suave demeanor. We must mention that he would always be the first and last person on the dance floor. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Jeanette Gasper Morby, and parents, Grant and Anita Morby.
He is survived by his children Deborah (Randal) Styka, Clifford Morby, and Derek (Susan) Morby, his grandchildren Neal (Alicia) Styka, Heather Styka, Grace Morby and Jack Morby and his great-grandchildren Griffin and Corbin Styka as well as his dear friend, Polly Valek.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be held 2pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The burial will be at Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Family Support (wwfs.org) in Omaha, NE 68137
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What a remarkable man with an extraordinary life. His legacy will live on within each of you….
What a remarkable man with an extraordinary life. His legacy will live on within each of you….
What a remarkable man with an extraordinary life. His legacy will live on within each of you….