James "Smokey" Planinsek

James “Smokey” Planinsek, aged 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 13th, 2024.

Born to Theodore Planinsek and Irene Planinsek (nee Chaloka) in Joliet, IL, Smokey was a beloved member of the Rockdale community, attending both Rockdale Grade School and Joliet West High School. He was a devout Christian and the epitome of a family man. Sharing 44 amazing years of marriage with his wonderful wife Connie, together they raised their three children, for whom he would do anything. In addition to family, he also gave so much of himself through time and effort to create a positive impact on the community he loved so dearly. Smokey served as the Director of Public Works for the Village of Rockdale, retiring in 2022 after 35 years of service. He was also a volunteer firefighter and Trustee for the Rockdale Fire Department for a combined 43 years. Smokey loved sports and was respected not only as a coach, but also a referee and umpire throughout the area. His legacy within the Rockdale community was solidified through his countless years as a basketball coach for Rockdale Public School. Smokey coached both JV and Varsity boys’ basketball for over 30 years, and it was the lessons and bonds that can be taught and created through sport that he instilled in generations of players which meant the most to him. Those same lessons and passion would transfer to his children and most importantly his grandchildren. Whether he was coaching, refereeing, umpiring, or spectating, his grand booming voice would carry across great distances and cut through the surrounding chatter to ensure his feedback and instruction were heard, always coming from a place of encouragement and support. He was happiest when he was able to watch his grandkids participate in whatever activity they took part in. Even with his most recent hospital stay, he would always try to follow the status of the “kids” games. Smokey enjoyed time with family and friends, and always had fond memories of camping, fishing, and being at the lake. When you needed your water turned on, your street plowed, or to put your sausage order in, he was a phone call away. If there could be only one lasting memory of Jim “Smokey” Planinsek for people to carry forward in his absence, it would undoubtedly be his smile which communicated so much within such a small gesture. That smile was so powerful, and he wore it always.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ted and Irene Planinsek and his brothers Ted Planinsek, Don Overall, and Jerry Overall.

Those left to cherish fond memories of Smokey include his loving wife Connie (nee Overall), his daughters Emily (Tommy) Saylor and Elene Planinsek, his son James Keith Planinsek, his grandchildren Addison and Zoey Saylor, and Blake, Brock, and Paisley Planinsek. Also surviving are his siblings, Sharon Planinsek, his sausage-making partner John Planinsek, Richard (Nancy) Overall, Elaine (the late Don) Overall, and Diane (the late Jerry) Overall. His dear aunts, Theresa Chaloka and Irene (Ken) Odorizzi, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews also survive.

A visitation will be held on Thursday April 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL.

The family would also like to invite guests to return to the Tezak Funeral Home on Friday April 19th, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Words of remembrance will commence at 10:00 a.m. before a private committal at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet, IL at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in James “Smokey” Planinsek’s name be made to the Rockdale School District including Athletics Department in the memo.