Columbus, OH — James W. Jesk Jr., 89, of Lemont, Ill., a United States Navy Veteran, died Nov. 10, 2021.

He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce; loving father of the late Kathleen, Kimberly (Andy) Lindemann, and the late Kristi; devoted ‘Da’ to Christopher (Jenny) Bunch, Jeremy (Ashley) Lindemann, Jason (Kassie) Bay, Brianna (Kerry) Koepp, Elizabeth (Curtis) Grigas, James Felgenhauer, Courtney Bay, Marcus (Amanda) Felgenhauer, Katey (Sean) Sinclair, Evan Bay, and Corey Ghelfi; proud great-grandfather to Leah, Lily, Abby, Jake, Owen, Cami, Kian, Reese, Marley, Rosalia, and River; dear brother of the late Terrance (Kathy), the late Mary Arliss (the late Joe), Dale (Renetta), Sharon (the late Al) Poe, John (the late Sharon), and Robin (Joanne); and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He served as the mayor of Oak Forest from 1975-1985. He was a long time employee of Andrew Corporation and in 1993, at the age of 61, he founded Deerfield Construction Group.

Nearly two decades later, he built Sawgrass Farms, where he excelled in the harness racing community, winning major races across the country.

He had many hobbies including collecting sports memorabilia, attending Blackhawks games, skiing, golfing, sharing Navy stories, reading, and hanging out with his Yorkshire Terrier, Molly.

His subtle, yet powerful, voice made a difference in many lives. Those who knew him will remember him by his overwhelming generosity and quick-witted personality.

A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Tuesday (Nov. 16) from 3- 8 p.m. Funeral service in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday (Nov. 17) at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

For information go to www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or call 815.806.2225.