James "Jim" H. Worst

James H. “Jim” Worst of Shorewood, IL passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 76. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Lynda Rohr-Worst (VanDenBerg); daughter, Kaitlyn (Todd) Copi; special grandson, Louis Copi; stepson, Kenneth Briick of New Haven, MO; brother-in-law, Dennis (Elaine) VanDenBerg of Langley, British Columbia; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Worst of Joliet, IL. Jim was preceded in death by his, son Timothy; parents, Howard and Catherine (McGuire) Worst; and his brother, John F. "Jack" Worst.

Jim graduated from St. Patrick's Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School (1966), and Lewis University (1970). Jim completed certification at the University of Wisconsin Bank Administration Institute. Jim owned and operated his own tax and accounting company for over 50 years while being employed by a variety of public, private, and educational institutions during his career, retiring from Morris Hospital in 2015. Jim was an avid golfer, Chicago sports fan, and especially Lewis University basketball. Jim was a partner/member of Victory City Church, Joliet Moose Lodge #300, and Teamster Local #150. He was a Past-President of the Exchange Club of Joliet, served on the board at United Cerebral Palsy of Will County, and the Audit Committee of the United Way of Will County Campaign Fund. But only his faith in God, church, and family exceeded the blessings received in over 43 years of continuous affiliation with a 12-step alcoholic recovery program. Special thanks to Kelly H., Rich M., Bob E., James P., Nikki S., and countless others. Thanks to Pastor Rusty and the staff at Victory City for their prayerful support.

Happy New Year!

This is probably one of the more bizarre or most bizarre notes that I have ever written,

As some of you may already know, I have chosen to write my own obituary, I am not unique in this regard and hope it will not be put into use in the near future, and I also realize that this can be viewed as a "self-serving, egotistical, obnoxious" endeavor. Undoubtedly, some truth in that.

I have included you in this e-mail, along with a copy of the obit, since I took the liberty of Including you in the obit. Depending on your feelings, I am asking for your forgiveness, rather than permission. One of the primary reasons for choosing to do this was to give testimony to, acknowledgement, and gratitude to God and all the people, places, and things, He has given me as blessings during my life.

Another reason was to leave no doubt as to who authored it. It was me, and me alone. I have intentionally excluded people who have chosen not to be a part of my life and I choose not to have them be a part of my passing. So, you "conspiracy theorists," don't even try to blame anyone else but me for my decision. And you know who you are. If you are offended, I have one word, "TOUGH." It's about time you faced up to your own responsibility for the way your life has turned out. Is this "justification and rationalization" for me? You bet!

My friends, please keep an eye out for Lynda as she will be the first to be blamed for coercing me.

This is one of those letters, that you put in a drawer for a period of time, before NOT sending.

 Oh, well.

Love,

Jim

Per Jim’s wishes, his remains have been donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. A private, invitation-only, memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations to your favorite charity would be appreciated.