James "Jim" Illich

James “Jim” Illich

Surrounded by family and friends, James Albert Illich, beloved husband, father, uncle, grandpa, accountant, artist, athlete, dancer, gardener, photographer, singer, veteran, and volunteer, ran his final lap on October 16, 2020, at his home in Dayton, Ohio. One of the world’s healthiest, strongest, and most stubborn souls, Jim valiantly battled cancer for several years.

Born to John and Mary Louise (Williams) Illich in 1936, Jim grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi. As a young boy, he learned the importance of hard work, persistence, and family while helping his entrepreneurial father run his businesses. Though Jim eventually moved to Ohio to raise his family, he never lost his love for the Gulf, the beach, and southern food. His southern accent always kicked in around a big bowl (or two or three) of shrimp.

Not one to slow down, Jim spent his 84 years on this planet generously giving of himself to his family, his church, and his community. He was devoted to his family and especially loved sharing his passion for the outdoors. He taught his children to garden, fish, canoe, and raise and care for all sorts of animals. More than anything, he loved running and bicycling. He took every opportunity to take his family on hikes, trails runs, and weekend bicycle rides. Jim was an accomplished athlete and loved competing with his children by his side. He completed several running races including a marathon, the 250-mile Ohio Right to Life Ride, and a triathlon.

Jim always kept a beautiful garden, filled with roses, honey suckle, impatiens, hostas, and feeders overflowing with seeds and suet. A skillful handyman, he helped anyone who asked with any and all projects – from planting trees to renovating bathrooms. He was an enthusiastic photographer and captured and shared hundreds of family memories. Jim loved big family gatherings, especially if he had the chance to show off his dancing skills. And he cherished his annual beach vacations with his wife Linda.

Jim was a devout Catholic and always gave back to his church. As a young father, he volunteered as an enumerator, then later was a talented member of the choir for the Saint Peters Parish, Huber Heights. He gave back to his community in many other ways, including as a Big Brother, Hospice volunteer, and dedicated American Red Cross blood donor. Jim was also a veteran, having spent his career as an accountant with the US Air Force in several locations, retiring from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton in 1995.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 21 years, Linda Illich, and his daughters Tammy, Kimberly (Michael), and Kathy (Chris), stepchildren Lori (Dan) and Mark (Connie), his brothers Gene (Treva) and Marion (Margaret), grandchildren Madison, Ryan, and Christopher (Sara), great grandchildren Oliver and Matilda, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and by his faithful dog Rudy. He was preceded in death by his son Michael and his first wife Shirley.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia with Deacon Leo Cordonnier officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at David’s Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 am until time of service.

Memorial donations in memory of Jim can be made to Ohio Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.