James Janda

James S. Janda, age 77, of Manteno; formerly of Peotone and Monee; passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

He was born on December 17, 1942 in Oak Park, IL, the son of George and Meriam (Lutz) Janda.  He attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education.  Following graduation, he worked as a teacher and then as a school principal.  After many years of working in education, he changed careers and became an insurance agent with Country Companies Insurance in Peotone.  He then obtained his real estate license and began selling and performing appraisals of property.

He was a member of the Manteno Church of the Nazarene.  Jim had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, planting flowers outside, and growing African Violets inside.  He also enjoyed woodworking and building beautiful wood furniture.  He was an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived by his wife, Margie (Rehberg) Janda who he married on May 12, 1973 in Peotone; his daughters, Linda (John) Quigley of Manhattan and Jennifer (Craig LaMore) Janda of Manteno; 4 grandchildren, Rachel (Aaron) Heckel, Kevin Quigley, Robert James “R.J.” LaMore, and Cyler LaMore; 2 great-grandchildren, Parker and Hazel Heckel; and a sister, Jacquie (the late Kersey) Foley of Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 step-daughters, Brenda Benoit Pool and Wanda Benoit.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, November 21 from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. with a memorial service being held at 4:00 p.m., Rev. Jack McCormick officiating.  Due to the global health pandemic (COVID-19) the wearing of a face covering will be required to enter the funeral home and social distancing must be observed.  Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.