James Robert Wimmer
James Robert Wimmer, born July 6, 1928, in Chicago, longtime resident of LaGrange, IL, passed away after a brief illness on October 18, 2016, at the age of 88.
Beloved husband of 65 years to Gertrude (nee Anderson). Loving father of Karen O’Hayer (Patrick), Joanie Wimmer, f/k/a John Wimmer, Cynthia Riewski (Martin), and Thomas Wimmer. Devoted grandfather of Benjamin Wimmer, Jeremy Wimmer (Erin Schultz), Sarah Wimmer, Ellen Lind (Brent), Alexandra Tudor (Jon), Julian Wimmer, Eric Riewski, and Matthew Riewski. Preceded in death by his father, Dr. Robert N. Wimmer, his mother, Margaret (nee Zeitsch), and his sister, Dr. Barbara Jean Dolan (nee Wimmer). Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Jim was raised in Gary, Indiana, and was a member of the Horace Mann High School debate team that won the Indiana State Debate Championship in 1946. He graduated from Amherst College in 1950 and from Yale Law School in 1953.
Upon graduation from law school, Jim clerked for the Hon. Sherman Minton, Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He served on the court during consideration of the historic Brown versus Board of Education case. Following his clerkship, he worked for the law firm of Lord, Bissell & Brook in Chicago, where he was a Partner from 1959 to 1992 and Of Counsel from 1992 to 1999. He served as Chairman of Lord, Bissell & Brook for one year and as a member of its executive committee for 12 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from 1985 to 2014.
He traveled widely and he enjoyed reading in many fields, studying history, attending opera, participating in League of Women Voters forums, playing ping-pong with a deceptive serve, visiting the Brookfield Zoo, cultivating his rose garden, and rooting for the Cubs. Jim Wimmer lived a long, very full life and was extremely devoted to family and friends. His passing is deeply mourned by all who knew him.
A memorial visitation will take place at Hallowell & James, 1025 W. 55th Street in Countryside on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00pm. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Funeral information: 708-352-6500.
I’ve known Jim and Trudy for 55 yrs We met when I was a child living across the street on Ashland Av in LaGrange and Cindy and I became fast friends Over the years we lost contact but always reconnected , most recently the week before his passing The Wimmer’s and their extended family were blessed to have him in their lives I’m saddened by their sudden loss ????
I introduced Trudy and Jim when he and I roomed together at Amherst in 1949 and we stayed in touch and visited each other over the years. I was an usher at their wedding in 1951 and we remained close friends all these years and visited each other several times. Great people who had along happy life together. God bless Trudy in the remaining years.
I was Jim and Trudy’s loyal landscape designer since 1995. Jim and Trudy greatly enjoyed their outdoor life on the work we did. It was a multi-year project and both loved to see it development. I am going to miss Jim, as he was also my friend. When I needed a ride home post-oh from NWMH in Chicago, he did so without hesitation. And we drank coffee together in my yard and it was a great time. I am going to miss him, but I told him to keep the roses along the drive. They need sun. God bless Trudy.