Saturday December 31st, Mass 10:00 am at St. Isaac Jogues Church, Hinsdale.
Servcies will conclude at the church.
James Louis Cainkar of Burr Ridge, IL passed away at the age of 70 on December 19th, 2022, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
James (“Jim”) was born on December 31st, 1951, to Louis F. and Ruth Cainkar in Evergreen Park, Illinois. After graduating from Brother Rice High School in 1968, he graduated with his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1973. He additionally earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1996. He achieved his professional designations as a Professional Engineer (PE) and an Illinois Land Surveyor’s designation (ILSIP).
After graduating college, James joined Novotny Engineering in Willowbrook, IL in 1973 where he worked until his passing. His career of 50 years as a Civil Engineer included company roles as President and serving as Village Engineer to the towns of Lemont, McCook, Hodgkins, Lyons, and Summit.
In his free time, James had a great desire to learn about the history, food, and customs of different cultures. He travelled the world with his family, visiting 43 different countries. James was a private and polite man, earning the nickname “Gentleman Jim”. He read many newspapers daily, resulting in the added nickname of “Mr. Current Events.” He also enjoyed attending the performing arts.
James married Donna (Hall) Cainkar on January 20th, 1979, and they have two children together, Paul and Craig.
James was predeceased by his mother Ruth (Hendershot) Cainkar, his father Louis F. Cainkar, and his brother, Joseph Cainkar. He is survived by his wife, Donna, his children Paul and Craig, his siblings Vincent (and Cathy) Cainkar, Louise Cainkar (and Hassan Mushrah), and Michael (and Toni) Cainkar, and Uncle Jim’s several loved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Adolf Funeral Home 7000 S. Madison Street, Willowbrook, Illinois on December 30th from 2 pm to 8 pm.
Family and friends will gather for Mass 10:00 am at Saint Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale, Illinois on December 31st. James Cainkar’s body will be laid to rest in peace in Solvang, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation https://crohnscolitisfoundation.org would be appreciated.
Service information: 630-325-2300