James G. Bigham (Jim), 88, of LaGrange Park IL passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 29, 2025. He was born to the late James D. Bigham and Gladys M. Zahn on August 27, 1937 in Berwyn, IL. 

Jim graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL. He earned his BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame with cum laude honors. He spent most of his career serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers where he received numerous awards for outstanding contributions. In retirement, he was active in the North Riverside Historical Society where he loved to research his family roots and Chicago history. 

Jim was a lifelong Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. He could recite facts and figures from almost every World Series game. He completed his lifelong goal of attending a Super Bowl, a World Series, a Kentucky Derby, and an Army/Navy football game. Talking sports was one of his biggest passions, along with spending quality time with family and friends. 

Jim is survived by his sister Rosemary (Bigham, LeCompte) Rendek and her children: the late Dr. Thomas J. LeCompte, Nancy (LeCompte) Gaines, Joseph LeCompte, and Patricia LeCompte. 

To list just the immediate family in this obituary underplays Jim’s impact on those in his life. Many people considered Jim to be part of their immediate family. He never missed a birthday, graduation, or wedding event of those closest to him.  

Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be held at Mater Christi Catholic Church, 2401 S 10th Ave in North Riverside on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10 am. The funeral mass will follow at 11 am, then a graveside burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.