James T. Hobbs, June 8, 1951 – June 26, 2021, of Bolingbrook; beloved husband of Karen S. Hobbs for 48 wonderful years; loving father of Timothy James Hobbs (Angela Topolewski) of Bolingbrook & Rebecca Lyn Hobbs of Bolingbrook; proud grandfather of Austin B. Radecki, Chase T. Hobbs, Hayley Engelman, Allison Engelman, Connor Hobbs, & Ashley Hobbs, all of Bolingbrook; dear brother of MaryJo (Robert) Fowler, Elizabeth (Phil) Easton, Nancy (the late Glenn) Clark, Florene Hobbs, & Carol Hobbs, all of Ocala, Florida; dear son-in-law of Edna Siroky of Bolingbrook; dear father-in-law of Trista Hobbs; dear brother-in-law of Rose Hobbs and Michael (Jayni) Auter; preceded in death by loving parents Stephen W. & Josephine Hobbs, and brothers Stephen W. Hobbs & Brian L. (Carolyn) Hobbs; loving uncle and friend of many; Jim will be dearly missed by all those who knew him, including his beloved cat, Snugs.

Jim graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1970. He was a volunteer Firefighter for Lisle, Woodridge, and later, Downers Grove Estates. Before becoming a full-time Firefighter, Jim also worked in construction, and as a butcher. He proudly served 38 years with the Darien Woodridge Fire Protection District, and retired on June 8, 2012. Just prior to retiring, he worked tirelessly studying for the Lieutenant test; Jim passed the test thanks to his hard work, and the help of his firefighter buddies. Not one to slow down, he did his fair share of snow plowing, mowing, scrapping metal, and work as a handyman for the Peter Pan Preschool after retirement.

Jim loved camping, golf, and his annual deer hunting trips with his Firefighter buddies. Later, his son Tim accompanied him on those beloved trips. His garage, known as his “office”, was where he could often be found putzing and rebuilding & repairing snow blowers and small engines. Jim was generous with his time, and sincerely enjoyed helping others, and getting to know them.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75^th St., Downers Grove. Family & friends will gather back at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 1 for funeral prayers, followed by a procession to Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien for his interment. Memorial donations in Jim’s name to the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation Burn Survivor Support Program at https://pffwcf.org/burnsurvivorsupport/ appreciated. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500