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March 24, 1946 May 01, 2024
March 24, 1946 -- May 01, 2024

James Joseph Lastovich

James “Jim” Joseph Lastovich age 78 of Chicago, IL, died May 01, 2024, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim Lastovich was born in Chicago, IL, son of the late Mr. And Mrs. Joseph and Alvena (Stroh) Lastovich.   He graduated with a bachelor’s in art education from Northeastern Illinois University and from UIC Jane Addams College with a master's in social work.  He was united in marriage to Maureen Almand in 1968.  Out of this union two children were born, Joseph and Ellen. Jim worked for the State of Illinois for over 30 years. He started off as a public aid case worker and retired in 2001 as an assistant director of a public aid office in the inner city of Chicago.

Jim was a talented artist.  He notably had his work published in Encyclopedia Britannica.  He was a humanitarian who marched for equality, justice and peace.  For decades he contributed to feeding children all over the world and helped support their families.  Jim was a man of deep faith instilling in everyone blessed to know him the power of prayer, faith and love.

A naturalist and outdoorsman, Jim loved to fish, hike, swim, camp, rockhound and was a prolific gardener.  He had a great appreciation for music and loved to dance.  He met Maureen at a dance, and they danced their way through life happily for over 56 years.  Jim was a volunteer DJ for Radio Harbor Country.  His program JEML Mixes, has the great tagline of keeping that positive attitude to take you all the way and his grand repertoire of music filled Friday evenings and Tuesday mornings for over fifteen years.

Jim was a devoted family man.  He leaves to cherish his memory:  His wife Maureen; son Joseph, daughter Ellen (Aric) Keil; grandchildren Anthony (Jacqueline) Lastovich, and Sarah Lastovich; great grandchildren Lorenzo Lastovich, Jesse Byrd, and Isaiah Lastovich; siblings Susan (Ronald) Dowty, Barbara (Robert) King, Patricia (Vincent) Gutman, Paul (Alice) Lastovich, Steven (Tina) Lastovich, Mary (George) Franceschina,  Laura (Thomas) Mich; in-laws Marc (Christean) Almand, Meredith Williams, Mileta Smith; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends all of whom brought great joy to his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Alvena Lastovich, father and mother-in-law Maurice and Edith Almand, brother-in-law Maurice Almand jr., and nephew Marcus Almand.

Jim was a very special person who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  Memories of him will carry on through those that live by his example of humbleness, compassion, love, and service.

A memorial service for Jim Lastovich will be held at Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center, 6467 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago IL 60631, on Saturday, May 18th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

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Condolences

Johnetta O’Conner May 07, 2024

Friend Enter your city ,

My deepest sympathies to Maureen and family.

Charles Nesbit May 07, 2024

Friend Chicago , Illinois

Jim was a great person who touched a great many people positively.

Dave Repetto May 11, 2024

Worked with Jim at Radio Harbor Country Sawyer , Michigan

Jim was a dedicated DJ for our all volunteer Low Power FM station in Three Oaks, MI. Jim started his show, JEML Mixes on May 13, 2008 and continued until his final show #717 aired in 2022. He called it "a little bit of everything" from the 20's to new releases ... "you'll hear big stars and lessor known players as well". We are thrilled to be allowed to continue broadcasting replays of JEML Mixes every Friday at nine PM ET at radioharborcountry.org

Dominique (Almand) S. May 11, 2024

Niece Shorewood , Minnesota

My brother and I definitely remember him as the cool uncle that was super chill at family gatherings. We loved his calming energy, even as little kids. I also recently got the pleasure of listening to one of his radio shows a couple of years ago now. That was so much fun to listen to! I kept on saying to my husband during the show “Thats my uncle!!” :-) He was such an artist. We love him so much!

Meredith Williams May 15, 2024

Sister-in-law Chicago , Illinois

Jim was more than my brother-in-law. He loved my sister and she loved him for 56 years. I was 10 when they married and I cried through the whole ceremony because he was taking my sister. We all laugh at that. My kids also would say “does Uncle Jim still have his braid”. We love you Jim and you will be missed.

NINA May 15, 2024

niece South Holland , Illinois

Uncle Jim oh how we will miss you. THE BEST UNCLE. I will forever remember your small smile,gentle touch, and soft kiss on the forehead. You have always had such a loving soul and we will miss you a lot. You’ve gotten your wings now so please give grandma a kiss for me and watch over us all. Love you Aunt Maureen and keep all your memories near to your heart cause Uncle Jim will always be with you. Until we meet again LOVE YOU FOREVER MY FAVORITE UNCLE❤️

Armonii May 15, 2024

great niece South Holland , Illinois

I send my condolences I love you uncle jim you will forever be missed. ~Armonii

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