Paul J. Jemmi, 59, of Algonquin, passed away peacefully at his home on February 2, 2026.
Paul was born on April 28, 1966, in Chicago, the son of Julius and Lorraine (Aktabowski) Jemmi. He was a graduate of Illinois State University, where he met the love of his life, Kim. On November 3, 1990, Paul married Kimberly L. Goesel, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family.
Paul was truly larger than life. He lived each day caring deeply for others and bringing fun and joy wherever he went. A devoted Jimmy Buffett fan, Paul embraced life like a proud Parrothead; never missing a chance to enjoy and savor the moment. He loved building memories by cooking, vacationing anywhere near a beach, and boating on Lake Geneva with family and friends. He was also a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.
Above all else, Paul’s greatest joy in life was his family. His wife and children were his whole world, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He proudly bragged about his children to anyone who would listen and doted on his wife in all of the little ways that matter most. To Paul, his family were his best friends, and they returned that love tenfold. Paul’s warmth, generosity, fun-loving nature, and larger-than-life spirit will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Jemmi; his children, Brad Jemmi, Jake Jemmi, Bryn Jemmi, and Macy Jemmi; and his mother Lorraine Jemmi, his siblings, Michelle (Eric) Schrader and Brian (Sue) Jemmi. He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Jemmi.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 4:00 p.m., all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. (In honor of Paul’s love of all things Jimmy Buffett, guests are encouraged to dress with a nod towards Parrothead style).
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul may be made to Glory Bound Rescue Ranch:
https://gloryboundrr.networkforgood.com/projects/162841-donations
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Kim I can't believe I'm saying this I am so sorry My heart is breaking for you and your family.
Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn, & Macy: I am beyond sorry for this incredibly hard loss. Paul was such an amazing husband, father, and friend. We are so blessed that we were able to become neighbors and friends for so many years, we will cherish those memories and send continuous prayers to all of you. Sending prayers also to Pauls mother, siblings, extended family, and his huge number of friends who are all grieving this enormous loss. WE LOVE YOU KIM!!!
Erik and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. We will always remember Paul for his kindness and the many good times we shared together. He brought so much warmth and laughter to those around him, and he will be truly missed. Please know you are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Hugs to you and the kids.
A beautiful tribute to Paul and your family. May God hold you all his arms during this devastating time. Our hearts break for you. You are in my every thought and prayer.
Kim, Bryn, and family, we are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Please know that your family is in our prayers. Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy, we are truly sorry for you loss. Paul/your dad was always the life of a party and always wanted to host great gatherings. We will miss the tailgating at JB concerts with the fantastic feasts, Fat tire rides with cookouts, dinners and many, many other fun times. Paul was a great friend and will be missed so much. I'm sure he is enjoying a Margarita or two with Jimmy love you, hugs to you all. Bubbles Up🦜
Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy, we are truly sorry for you loss. Paul/your dad was always the life of a party and always wanted to host great gatherings. We will miss the tailgating at JB concerts with the fantastic feasts, Fat tire rides with cookouts, dinners and many, many other fun times. Paul was a great friend and will be missed so much. I'm sure he is enjoying a Margarita or two with Jimmy love you, hugs to you all. Bubbles Up🦜
Our hearts and thoughts are with you Kim and your kids. We are so sad…Paul was a great guy And loved his family.
Kim and Family, we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Although we had only known Paul for a short time, it was truly a pleasure. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Sending our love, deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. You are not alone…
I am so sorry to hear the news of Paul’s passing. I was fortunate to have known Paul, as I lived/ grew up in Maple Hills. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to Paul’s family.
I am so sorry to hear about Paul! My thoughts are with all of you! ❤️
Jemmi Family - we were heartbroken to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, father, and a friend to many. It is clear he lived a full and meaningful life, giving so much of himself to family and community, even though his time was not nearly long enough. Please know that we are thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace.
It is hard to find the words for such an untimely loss. Paul was a wonderful friend to our family and a huge part of my Chicago memories. Whether we were cheering on the Bears or just catching up, his energy was infectious. He was a loyal friend to my father and so incredibly kind to me and my wife. All of the Goggin family will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences go out to Kim, the kids and the entire family. He was truly one of a kind.
Kim, we are truly heartbroken to hear the news of Paul’s passing. We’re sending you strength to help you and your family through this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our love.
My heart is broken for you and your family. I pray God wraps his loving arms around you and your family to help you through this time. He was a loving man and will be missed.
Kim, We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for you and the kids. Paul was truly loved by all who knew him. He had a way of lighting up every room with his smile, humor and offering kindness so freely. He was an incredible husband, devoted father, and a cherished friend. No words could ever be enough, but please know we will forever hold Paul, and the memories we shared with him, close in our hearts.
So sorry to hear this news I only met Paul a few times but always enjoyed his company.He was larger than life character Prayers to family ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and your kids. I hope all the great memories bring you comfort, and that you can still feel Paul/ your dad’s love around you always. 🤍
Kim and family we are so sorry for your loss. It is truly heartbreaking that you lost such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Me and Paul and Kim were neighbors for a couple of years in the 90s when we were living in Algonquin. Me and they son Brad would hang out when we were kids. I remember Paul being a very nice and cool guy to hang out with. Especially when he had his two little red Porsche’s his Porsche coupe and his Porsche convertible. I’m very sorry to hear this Paul you will be missed. And my prayers go out to you Kim as well as the rest of the family.
So sorry to hear of the sudden death of Paulie. i remember even when he was still in diapers and I babysat, he always had a smile on his face. So happy he had a fun-filled life with his family and friends, though how short. Sympathy to his immediate family and Lorraine, Brian and Michelle and their families. May he rest in peace.
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to your family during this tough time.♡
Kim, Macy and family our deepest and sincerest condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
We are so sorry for your loss. Paul was kind and amazing to everyone he met. Heaven got a new Parrothead. I'm sure he is already hanging out with Jimmy. Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed, I just heard about Paul’s passing and know how much the family is grieving. I am so sorry. The description of Paul being larger than life is so very true. Hugs Babbie Jaco
Kim, We are very sorry for your loss and offer our condolences to you and your family.
Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy, Scott and I are so very sorry for your loss. We have so many great memories with Paul, Fat tire rides, trivia nights, halloween parties and dinners together. He was always the life of the party and made the best cocktails. He often told me that Ella was like another daughter(since she was always over at your house) We shared many miles and even more laughs together, he will be truly missed. Sending you love from SC.
Sending our deepest condolences. Love and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Dear Kim, Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy We are deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing. From everything Lukas has always told us, Paul must have been a wonderful, generous, and truly kind person…and according to Lukas, „the king of having fun“. We had hoped we would still have plenty of time to come and visit you over the next few years. We wish you strength and much confidence as you deal with this great loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Lukas will be with you and represent the Swiss Jemmi family. Lots of love Renate & Bruno, Fabio & Lorraine and Lukas Studer-Jemmi
Kim , Brad, Jake, Bryn and Macy , our hearts are breaking for you. Your dad was a great man who loved his family dearly ! You could see the pride he had for each one of you !! He loved you unconditionally ! He was fun , outgoing and always the life of a party ! He will never be forgotten and I am sure your memories of him will give you some peace over the next few days , weeks and months . We love you all . 💔💙😞
Kimberly, my heart goes out to you and family. We are so sad for the loss of Paul. Karen, Kent, Bridgette, Collin
We are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing and pray for the entire family. He was the life of the party and brought fun and joy to all who knew him. We will keep Kim and the family in our prayers. The party won’t be the same without him!
To all of the Jemmi family, Paul's family, Lorraine, Michelle and family, Brian and family... I am so sorry for your loss. I was just shocked at the news. I wish our families would have been closer into our adult years. Some of my greatest childhood memories are with Michelle (Mickey,) Brian, and Paul (Paulie) When you all came to CA to go to Disneyland I absolutely loved spending time with you all. I remember playing toss across and laughing so hard! But one of my most fondest memories was going to ILL to visit you all! That I will never forget! We had so much fun together! Thank you all for that and thank you Paulie for the memories of you. Yes, as you have been described you were full of life...just as all the Jemmi's are. Much love to all of you and I pray that the peace of Jesus is with you all during this most sad and difficult time. Love to to all, Karen Hudspeth Aulwurm