Jimmy LaFine

An all around good guy, Jimmy LaFine loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed good times with friends. Above all, Jimmy's family meant everything to him. Selfless in all ways, Jimmy would go out of his way to help anyone in need, especially those he loved. Hard working and a "man's man", Jimmy LaFine leaves countless memories to cherish in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Although tensions continued to flare overseas, the 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in America. The baby boom found families moving into newly developed suburbs, and with the increasing number of women entering the workforce, the introduction of TV dinners was a welcome addition. While Elvis was ushering in his career, the U.S. Supreme Court ushered out segregation, deeming it unconstitutional in all U.S. public schools. Amidst these changing times, a most welcome event in the lives of Robert and Jeanette (Smith) LaFine was the September 30, 1954 birth of their son, James LaFine, born in Kankakee, Illinois at St. Mary's Hospital.

Making their home in the community of Bradley, Illinois, the LaFine's raised their son Jimmy alongside his five siblings, Danny, Lylette, Loretta, Bonnie, and Gary. His oldest brother, Danny would carry young Jimmy in his newspaper bag while delivering the papers on his neighborhood route. His father was a local factory worker, and his mother Jeanette worked at the Joliet Arsenal and Bunge in nearby Joliet.

Jimmy experienced a childhood typical of the times, and from his earliest beginnings, he was all boy. He attended the area schools and played junior football, even if it meant putting rocks in his pockets in order to meet the minimum weigh-in. Jimmy also paled around with his friends sharing youthful adventures. He loved classic cars, especially mustangs, and had great times working on cars along with his best buddies, brothers, Wayne, Dennis and Roy Lambert. Through these friends, Jimmy met their sister, and the love of his life, Linda Lambert.

Shortly after attending Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, Jimmy, at the age of 19, married the young girl who stole his heart. He and Linda shared vows of marriage on August 11, 1973 in their hometown of Bradley and set-up house. They soon began a family of their own with the eventual addition of three wonderful children. Melissa, Krissy, and Jason brought out the best in Jimmy. He'd do anything for the family he loved, and worked hard to make a good life for them.

Since the age of 18, Jimmy worked for Bunge Foods as a machine operator, remaining there for the next 40 years of his working career. He was a tireless worker and a dedicated employee, and gave Bunge his best efforts while enjoying "spirited camaraderie" among his co-workers. Jimmy's work was a large part of his life. He enjoyed working there, and was able to support his family, and that was all that mattered to Jimmy.

Jimmy loved camping with his family and friends in Shelbyville. When not working or in his garage, he enjoyed the history channel, and shows like Duck Dynasty and Restoration. He and Linda shared a love for travel. Together they enjoyed vacationing in the Bahamas, Florida, Saint Lucia and took several cruises. To commemorate some of their travels, Jimmy bought Linda a ring to cherish as a treasured memory of their special times together.

Around the house, Jimmy was quite handy. He enjoyed cooking and baking, and loved working with wood. He tinkered with projects at home, and spending time in his "domain", the "man cave" in his garage. Bear, his lab was his constant companion in the garage where Jimmy spent a great deal of his time listening to Ray Boltz and Bob Marley, two of his favorite artists. He also enjoyed hanging out with his close friends, Chuck Baker, Steve Embree, John Workman, Jason, Larry Arends, Jeff Lonergan, and Rudy Bauer.

Christmas was Jimmy's favorite holiday. He loved the music of the season, and gathering with those he loved and cared about. He so enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his new loves, granddaughters, Chelsea, Cassidy, Mattie, Molly, and Lilly. Jimmy's heart melted around all his girls, and he never said goodbye without telling them, "love you, babe".

In all ways, Jimmy LaFine lived a selfless life. He always looked at ways of helping others, and to make things easier for them. He lived simply and happily, but most important to Jimmy were the ones he loved, and spending time with them. Gone but never to be forgotten, Jimmy will be deeply missed and fondly remembered, always.

Jimmy LaFine, age 58, of Bradley, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda; two daughters, Melissa Patterson and Krissy LaFine, both of Bradley, IL; his son, Jason LaFine, also of Bradley, IL; five granddaughters, Chelsea, Cassidy, Mattie, Molly, and Lilly; two brothers, Danny (Marlene Warpet) Statler of Bradley, IL and Gary (Judy) LaFine of MN; three sisters, Lylette (Dennis) Lamie of Bourbonnais, IL, Loretta (Louis) Rouse of Kankakee, IL, and Bonnie (Rick) Eilts of Bradley, IL; his in-laws, Thomas (Bobbie) Lambert of Bradley, IL; special friends, Chuck Baker and Steve Embree. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Dennis, Wayne and Roy Lambert; three nephews, Dan, Joseph and Louis III; and his stepfather, William McQuary.

A gathering time for friends and family will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 3-7 p.m. at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home’s Bourbonnais Chapel. There will be a short prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Dan Bult will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.