James Louis Klotz, 79, of Hinsdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Nov. 16, 2024.
Jim was born in 1945 in Chicago and raised in Hinsdale, where he attended Zion Lutheran School. After graduating from Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, Jim attended Arizona State University, where he graduated in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in business. Following graduation, Jim moved to New York and began his career as an advertising executive before being drafted into the U.S. army in 1970.
Upon being honorably discharged, Jim returned to Chicago where he spent the remainder of his career in financial services, specifically the commodities industry, working at both the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He was a highly respected leader in the industry for many years and through his guidance brought an enormous wealth of experience, intellect and insight. He loved the work he did, and the people he worked with. For those lucky enough to spend time with Jim, he leaves a legacy of unparalleled professionalism and friendship that carries far beyond the workplace.
In addition, Jim was an active member of the community and served on numerous boards, including Walther Christian Academy, Zion Lutheran Church and the Singing Men of Oak Brook. Jim was an avid musky fisherman, enthusiastic collector of baseball cards, lifelong Cubs fan, aficionado of blues music, voracious reader, skilled writer and lover of animals. He enjoyed life to the fullest, in particular raising his children and being at his wife's side.
In his retirement years, Jim embarked on many memorable trips and vacations with his family and close friends. Some of his favorite destinations included Arizona, Palm Springs, Florida's Gulf Coast and Wisconsin. Jim's incredible kindness to others, endless generosity, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a gift for making others happy. He was a loving husband, devoted father, a man of great integrity, and a devout Lutheran. His selflessness knew no bounds and will leave a lasting legacy to all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Janet Klotz; his three children, Amanda (Michael Chase), Matthew and Jennifer; his two brothers, Verner Jr. and Neil Klotz; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Leona Sokolis; his aunt, Arlene Ananias; his brother- and sister-in-law, David and Donna Roach and William and Leslie Sokolis; and his nieces and nephews, Ian and Leah Roach, Hunter and Atchison Sokolis, and Cynthia, Craig and Kimberly Klotz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Verner Sr. and Frieda Klotz; and his nephew, Henry Roach.
Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Zion Lutheran Church, 204 S. Grant St., Hinsdale.
A funeral service will follow at the church at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF) at https://clefchicago.org/take-action/donate/ where a scholarship will be established in his name at his alma mater, Walther Christian Academy.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
