James Michael Delaney was born on December 15, 1956 to James W. and Joan V. Delaney in Chicago, IL, the oldest son and second child of seven. With family holding prayerful vigil, he passed peacefully into the loving hands of God on December 6, 2016 after a valiant struggle with lymphoma.  James was an unwavering and gentle soul who loved his family, his friends, his country, and God.

James was young at heart, playing hockey, being active with his young daughter, and losing himself in his fleet of remote control toys. He enjoyed his annual trips to Oshkosh for the EAA Airshow, volunteering with his many friends from EAA Warbirds Squadron 4, and teaching his young daughter about aviation, WW II, and the importance of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery.

James joined the Naval Reserves as a young man. He recently reached his 40 year anniversary working for Office Max / Office Depot (previously Boise) in Itasca, IL.

James is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his eleven-year old daughter, Catherine, sisters Kathleen (Robert) Cernok and Linda (Brent) Schafroth, brothers Thomas Delaney (Rebecca Magdaleno), Michael (Rachelle) Delaney, and Robert Delaney, and sister-in-law, Valerie Delaney (Philip), as well as a nephew, William (Sarah) Cernok, and nieces Nicole Schafroth-Kraut (Brian), Kimberly (Joel) Danielewicz , Chloe Delaney, Alea Delaney, and Krystle Delaney.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Joan Delaney, his brother, Philip Delaney, and his nephew, Kristian Cernok.

His family wishes to thank all the caregivers at St. Catherine's Medical Center in Pleasant Prairie, WI, doctors Majed Jandali, Neil Shepler, and Raymond Knight, and the Medical ICU staff at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI for their dedication and heroic efforts in helping James in his fight and providing comfort to his family.

Service Details

Two Funeral Masses will be held:

On December 15, 2016 (James' 60th birthday), a visitation will be held at St. Patrick Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL 60083 at 3:00 p.m, followed by a Funeral Mass at 4:00 p.m. A brief reception will be held at the church following the service.

On December 17, 2016 Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke Parish, 401 Cochise Ct, Carol Stream, IL 60188-1515 at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held prior to the mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests with gratitude that contributions be made to his daughter, Catherine Delaney, for her college fund (please make checks payable to Catherine Delaney), or to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226-3596.

It is further requested that those who wish to comfort James' daughter bring an angel ornament (preferably glass or metal) which will be tagged and collected so that Catherine may have an annual remembrance of the love of family and friends at this difficult time.