James E. Bryan

James (Jim) E. Bryan, aged 95, formerly from Homewood, IL died August 29, 2021 at Smith Crossing Senior Living, Orland Park, IL. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy E. Bryan, nee Carlson; beloved children Kathleen (late Timothy Vance and partner Charles Cowger) Vance of Urbana, IL, James D. (Susan) Bryan of Cape Coral, FL, Robert (Audrey) Bryan of Dayton, TX, Judith (Jeff) Ziehm of Dallas, TX; nine grandchildren, David Worn, Shannon Vance, James M. Bryan, Elizabeth Kruizenga, Suzannah, Adelaide and Johanna Bryan, and Alexandra and Rebecca Ziehm; six great grandchildren, Sawyer and Oliver Worn, James S. and Jake Bryan, Emilia and Theodore; sister-in-law, Carol Bryan; and two nieces, Mara Bryan and Rena Bryan Jacobs. Jim was preceded in death by beloved parents, Nellie A. and John H. Bryan; brothers Donald L. and John H. Bryan, Jr., and granddaughter Lydia Bryan.

Jim was born December 20, 1925 in Kansas City, MO, to Nellie A. Hoffman and John H. Bryan. He grew up on the south side of Chicago where he met and married Dorothy Eleanor Carlson in Chicago on August 30, 1947. She was the love of his life. Their loving marriage of 74 years was an inspiration to all. He honorably served in the US Navy from 1944-1946. Jim attended the University of Chicago and graduated in 1948 from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. At the University of Illinois, he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Throughout his career he was employed by Standard Oil of Indiana, retiring in 1986 as Comptroller of Amoco Chemicals. Jim relished family vacations and foreign travel, especially hiking in Switzerland with Dorothy. For many years he enjoyed league bowling, as well as his investment club, bridge, tennis, golf and gardening. He was an active member of Flossmoor Community Church, serving in leadership roles on financial and planning committees, and singing in the choir.

Jim placed a high value on his family and the importance of sharing one's time, talent and resources with the community. He dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and treasured sharing in their lives and accomplishments. He served as an exemplary role model to his family and friends showing gratitude, compassion, humor and integrity in all of his endeavors. His family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the many staff at Smith Crossing, including their Greenleaf facility, as well as caregivers from Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Community Hospice) for their compassion and support over the past few years.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 2 at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422 at 10:00 am. Due to COVID restrictions the family requests that all guests wear a face mask and maintain social distance. A private burial will be held for the family only at the Chesterton Cemetery, Chesterton, IN. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Jim's family and friends will forever miss his kindness, laughter and smile. In honor of his memory, keep smiling and cherishing those you love.

To View live stream of the service, click the link below

https://youtu.be/ZgcUCNiMeDM