Dr. James R. Stasko

Dr. James R. Stasko, age 64, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Jim “Butch” is survived by his love of 44 years, Debra (Belom); his adoring children, Melissa (Matthew) Waitz, James (Lupe Chairez) Stasko Jr, Joseph (Aimee) Stasko, and Louis (Aisha) Stasko. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Ashlan, Beckett and Ellie Waitz, Emma and Lily Stasko. Survived by his brother Robert Stasko, sisters Rhonda (Ray Dietz) Johns and Debbie Papesh. Also survived by Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Vince Gelsomino, Aunt Connie Stasko, and Aunt Anna Mae Ojeda as well as brothers-in-law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Mary Ann (Residori) Stasko; his brother Ronald Stasko Jr; his grandparents Albert and Frances (Videtich) Stasko and Arthur and Mary (Legan) Residori.

Jim grew up in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Catholic in 1972. He attended Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated in 1976 and then later received his doctorate from Loyola Dental School in Maywood in 1980. He was a member of the Will County Dental Society and served as President for many years, and was a prominent dentist in Crest Hill for 34 years before retiring in 2015. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus of Joliet.

Jim loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed watching them play sports. An avid karaoke enthusiast, he was often found singing and dancing to his favorite Elvis songs or watching Chicago sports, where he was always thrilled to see a Cubs win. His family also holds many fond memories vacationing and traveling together.

A celebration of Jim’s life will begin on Monday, October 1, 2018 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be Tuesday October 2, 2018 with additional visitation from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home. Followed by driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be following the Mass accordingly. Jim will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet at a later date. Obituary and tribute wall for James R. Stasko at www.tezakfuneralhome.com or for information, 815-722-0524.