James Peter Farnsworth, 83, of Huntley passed away peacefully at home on October 13th, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on November 23rd, 1941 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Benjamin and Dorothy Hyland Farnsworth. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School and went on to earn his degree from Bradley University, followed by two years at John Marshall Law School during his employment at Continental Bank in Chicago, Illinois. While at Bradley he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, where he developed many lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers.
He met his wife during his college years at Bradley, and June 6th, 1964 he married Mary Jane Matteson, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned over 6 decades. Jim had a successful career as a commodities trader at the Mid-America Commodities exchange was acquired by the Chicago Board of Trade. Outside of work he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Jim and Mary Jane cherished their summers spent at their cabin in Sioux Narrows, Ontario on Lake of the Woods, where they made many lifelong friends and memories together.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, James was known for his warmth, wisdom, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Farnsworth; his son, Terry (Katie) Farnsworth; and his cherished granddaughters, Ava and Aubrey. He is also survived by his sister, Alice (Patrick) McCullough; brothers, Ben (Judy) Farnsworth and Tom Farnsworth; and by many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., all at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to leave an online condolence.
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We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing, The Cookes have been long-time friends with the Farnsworths since the the Lake of the Woods days and have remained in touch ever since. Sarah and Fraser and I (and Garry before his passing) often shared witticisms and funny stories from those wonderful days. I also remember the winter Jim and Mary Jane came to Winnipeg for Christmas and we went for a sleigh ride.. I think it was the coldest weather they'd ever experienced. We are thinking of you Jane, Terry and your family and sending our love. So sad that those trailblazers, Stu Clark, Jim and Garry are no longer with us.
My Sympathy to all o f Jim’s Family! Years ago through my Sister-in- law Alice, I remember meeting Jim. What a nice Obituary - good idea that you and MaryJane spent Summers in Canada(cooler)! So sorry I couldn’t attend the Funeral services! Prayers🙏🙏