James J Keclik

James J. Keclik, 82, of Downers Grove, IL, passed away peacefully at Hines Veterans Hospital on February 14, 2026. Born at MacNeal Hospital on February 27, 1943, to Margaret and James Keclik, he was the eldest of five children. He grew up in Berwyn and graduated from Morton East High School in 1964. 

After graduation he attended the Art Institute of Chicago for art advertising layout and became a freelance artist and an illustrator working for Zabik Sign Co., Cupco Furniture, and Vis-O-Graphic Advertising until he was drafted into the Army in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1970, with the final rank of Decorated US Infantry Specialist.  He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. After coming home from the war, he joined the United States Postal Service and served as a postal carrier for the city of Berwyn while obtaining an Associate of Arts and an Associate of General Studies from College of DuPage in 1980.

Always being artistic and creative, he hand-painted and pinstriped cars, trucks, and signs on the side.  He retired from the postal service in 1999 after 30 years of service and spent his time in retirement fishing, watching his favorite sports teams (White Sox and Bears) and traveling to Fort Myers Beach. He always enjoyed a nice cold Miller Lite and loved sweets, especially ice cream. He was always the life of any party he attended and had a knack for bringing smiles to peoples’ faces with his witty sense of humor! 

He is survived by his longtime partner Myrta Whitten; brother Michael Keclik; sister Marianne (Michael) Lebeda; sister Nancy (Peter) Iuliano; daughter Jamie (Issam) Mahmoud; daughter Kellie (John) Ferg; his three grandchildren Isabella, Francesca, and Sofia Mahmoud, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard (Lucy) Keclik.  

James was known for his impeccable manners and kindness, always taking the time to tell each and every one of his caretakers how grateful he was for their care. A special thank you to the wonderful caregivers and staff at Hines Hospital. James and his family were truly blessed to have them.

A visitation will be held on Sunday February 22, 2026 from 2pm until time of prayer service at 6:30pm at Adolf Funeral Home, 2921 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402. Family and friends will gather on Monday February 23, 2026 at the funeral home at 9am and then process to St Leonard Catholic Church, 3318 S Clarence Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 for a 10am Funeral Mass. Interment private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made in the name of James J. Keclik to the Hines Jr. VA Hospital-Hospice Program at: 

https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/53167010

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