James 'Jim' Frank Bozzelli, Jr., 85, of Winfield, IL, passed away Friday night, June 25, 2021, due to complications from a recent fall.

Jim is survived by his 3rd wife, Christine McElroy; daughters, Jodi, Joy, and Janis (Willy) Pragovich; son, Jeff; sisters, Sandra (Dan) Bator, and Cynthia (Richard) Bozzelli-Duke; 7 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Sr. and Georgia (Opple/Deonesopoulos) Bozzelli.

Jim graduated with a Bachelor's in Environmental Studies and taught for a short time at Northeastern University in Chicago. He also earned his Master's in Urban Land Planning. He retired from National-Louis University as Director of Operations, after almost 30 years.

He loved taking vacations to the red rock region near the Four Corners area of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. He was always active in politics, and made a point of having his voice heard by sending letters to his Congressmen on issues that were important to him. He liked to tell jokes, too - well, groaners, really, but we still laughed. He played chess and passed that love for the game onto his son, Jeff. At one time, they co-owned a chess shop in Evanston, IL.

Hockey - what can we say? He was indoctrinated in the love of hockey by his father, who was a member of a special fan club called the Blackhawk Standbys. At every home game his father would "sneak in" a cowbell that was rung (banged on the railings) after each Hawk goal. Some of his nephews and grandsons played the game, as well as his daughter, Jodi, who played briefly; and a grandson who coaches in Chicago. GO HAWKS!

As for his soul? Well, that was tightly linked to his love of music--jazz music. There were live band sessions in our apartments, mainly because our piano was not portable at that time. He had an insatiable thirst for learning about music and jazz, and honing his piano skills.

Cremation will take place at the convenience of the family (his wife), and ultimately, he will be placed in the burial plot with his parents at St. Boniface Cemetery, Chicago, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W. Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL.  For info, 847-823-5122.