In Loving Memory of James Michael Udesen
Jim ‘Jimmy’ Udesen ‘Ude’, a man whose presence lit up every room and whose laughter was nothing short of contagious, passed away 2/17/25 at the age of 43. He was a man of unwavering kindness, an old soul with a young heart, and a friend to all—regardless of where they came from or where life had taken them.
Born to Rosalind ‘Rusty’ Daum on 8/7/81 in Elgin IL, Jim was raised by his grandparents John and Joanne Udesen and was also very close to his Uncles Russell ‘Earl’ Udesen and Charles ‘Chuck’ Udesen who played a big part in his childhood years. `
He is survived by his beloved wife and partner-in-crime, Dawn his children, Hailey Stokes and Tyler Udesen, his siblings, many nieces and nephews and countless friends, colleagues, and those lucky enough to have crossed his path. While his time here was far too short, his impact will be felt forever.
Jim refused to be defined by hardship. Instead, at an early age, he transformed adversity into strength and struggle into success.
One of the greatest blessings of his life was the love he shared with his wife, Dawn. What began as a friendship grew into an unbreakable bond—a partnership stronger than just husband and wife. They were a power couple, a team, two souls meant to take on the world together. Through every high and low, they stood side by side, never just loving each other, but championing each other.
Fatherhood shaped him in ways that made his heart even bigger. Becoming a dad at a young age gave him purpose, and he stepped into the role with unwavering love and devotion. Raising his children with love and determined to fill them with the same sense of grit that he had —Hailey went on to serve in the military, filling Jim with a deep and immeasurable sense of honor and pride. His love and faith in his son, Tyler, never wavered, and he knew that Tyler’s journey was still being written.
Beyond his role as a father, Jim was the "funcle"—the fun uncle, the wild-hearted, joke-cracking, adventure-loving man who had an entire tribe of nieces and nephews who adored him. He got on their level, never too grown to play, to joke, to make them feel like the most important people in the world. His love for them was endless, and in their eyes, he was larger than life.
Beyond his own children, Jim impacted the lives of so many young boys through coaching baseball. He coached every one of Tyler’s teams, pouring his time, energy, and passion into the game, but even more so into the kids who played it. He wasn’t just a coach—he was a mentor, a role model, a steady presence in their lives. Many of his players became like pseudo sons, carrying his lessons, his humor, and his love for the game with them long after the final inning was played.
Family, to Jim, was not about labels—it was about love. He shared a deep bond with his siblings, no matter how they were connected—by blood, by marriage, or simply by life itself. Whether they were step, or half, they were all whole in his heart. He embraced each of them with the same loyalty and laughter that defined him, always the brother you could count on, always the one who had your back.
But his family wasn’t just those connected by blood. Jim built an extended family out of friends and the community around him, forging bonds that ran just as deep. He had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. If you were in his circle, you were family, no questions asked. He was as loyal as he was fierce, and his heart had room for everyone.
His path led him to the McHenry Sheriff’s Department, where he served for over 21 years, a testament to the resilience and determination that shaped him. While some may have expected a different outcome for Jim, he always defied the odds and proved that one’s past does not dictate their future. His dedication to service, coupled with his natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, made him a rock for those around him and a true leader in his community.
But beyond his career and accomplishments, Jim will be remembered for the joy he brought to the world. His laughter was legendary, a sound that could turn a bad day into a good one in an instant. His humor, warmth, and boundless energy made every moment spent with him unforgettable.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11am -4pm with a service at 3:30pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. The Law Enforcement Walk through will be at Noon.
A celebration of his life will follow the conclusion of services, details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Elgin Classic Little League where Jim started his baseball career as a youth.
Monetary donations can be sent via check
Checks can be written to ECLL and sent to:
Elgin Classic Little League
PO Box 1322
Elgin, IL 60121-1322
Rest easy, Jim. Your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.
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Best friend ever and Co on the planet, may God be with the family 🙏🙏💝
Truly an amazing person to have known and the honor of calling him my brother was nothing short of a blessing.
Jim, saying a prayer for you and your family. Will miss you everyday! God bless your family! Bubba
My deepest sympathies to you Dawn, your children and extended family. May Jimmy's soul find rest and peace in our Lord Jesus. The peace of Christ be with you as well.
Dawn in the short time that I had known Jim he was everything described above. May you and your family find peace in knowing he is no longer suffering. He is with God and yes you will see him again. But he is also with you always. My deepest condolences. Love Enza
Jim also has 2 brothers..John Udesen and Tim Watson ! R.I.P Son..always in our hearts !!
Dawn, I am deeply sorry to hear about Jimmy. There are no words to express how saddened I am. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My best friend threw thick and thin. All the great times spent together will never be forgotten. A heart bigger than ever.. Jimmy was the person to always leave you with a smile on your face . He always became friends with everyone .Such an amazing Father -Husband - Friend - such an amazing role model ...May your soul rest easy in peace.... God bless Dawn and kids we love you very much ...