James R. Pasdertz
March 5, 1946 — May 13, 2014
James R. Pasdertz Sr. "Big Jim", age 68, called home by the Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Meadowbrook Manor in Bolingbrook, IL, formerly of Joliet.
Born March 5, 1946 to the late John and Rose (Rogina) Pasdertz. He was raised in Joliet, and graduated from Joliet Central High School, class of 1964. He was a true patriot and served his country honorably in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, earning numerous medals. On May 18, 1968 he married the love of his life, Cheryl Sweda.
He was employed by US Steel for over 30 years.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Cheryl; his loving children, James Jr. (Crystal), Kristine (Jeffrey Sr.) Brick, Sheri (Ralph) Augustyniak, Michelle (Paul Medina) Musser; Cherished grandchildren; Michael (Lindsay Muehlbauer) and Dustin Stalowy, James III and Tori Pasdertz, Jeffrey Jr., Kaitlyn and Kyle Brick, Joseph and Angel Augustyniak, Ashleigh (Adam) Linder, Jeffrey Jr. and Chad Musser; treasured great-grandchildren, Lileigh, Kyleigh and baby on the way Linder; sister Elizabeth (Robert Sr.) Scholp; sister-in-law Julia (the late Robert) Pasdertz; special cousin Donna Smrekar (Scott Kazmierowicz); he was a fond uncle; great uncle; great-great uncle; also survived by many dear friends.
Preceded in death by his parents John and Rose Pasdertz; siblings, John Jr. and Robert Pasdertz Sr., Delores Blowers and Rosemary Minnick; nephews, niece and great niece.
Jim will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him. He was the most kind, loving, patient husband, father, and friend one could know. His special talents included drawing, working on cars, and fixing almost anything. He enjoyed smoking a good cigar (until health issues forced him to abstain), bird watching, and nurturing plants.
A Celebration of James' life will begin on Monday, May 19, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 10:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on SATURDAY, May 17, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL from 2-8 p.m.