James J. Mittelbrun

Jim “Poppy Man,” “Unkie Jimmy” Mittelbrun, 58, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2021.

Jim was born on June 17, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois.  He is preceded in death by his loving parents Anthony and Barbara Mittelbrun.  He is survived by his immense family: beloved children Lindsey (fiancé Mike Jarvis) and Brian Mittelbrun, former spouse Nancy Mittelbrun, siblings Dave (Laura) Mittelbrun, Sherri (Craig) Jarva, and Michelle (Jeff) House and many nieces and nephews: Kristin, Daniel, Nicki, Sarah, Steven, Val, Michael, Brandon, Megan, and great niece Marlena, as well as Tyler, Shane, Nicolette, Lauren, Jordan, and Keira.     

Jim was a one-of-a-kind man, and a true All-American.  His love for God, country, and his family evident in all he did.  He was the glue that held us together, the highlight of any get together, and could always be counted on to loving harass the entire family. He is often remembered for his larger than life personality, jokes that made you laugh until you cried, and his generous, big heart.  Although, he often joked that he didn’t have feelings. When not pursuing a 25+ year career as a Director of Materials Management, you could find him doing the things he loved.

Jim was an active member and liturgist of his local church, consumer of all things politics, diehard Chicago Bears, Hawks, and Sox fan, and part-time bowler, baseball coach, umpire, and train collector.  Yet, his biggest love was for fishing.  On nice weekends, and every summer at Cass Lake, MN, you could find him out on the water.  There was no place he would rather be.  He was always ready to find “Mr. Wallie,” try out his endless new fishing lures, and share the hobby with anyone who was willing.

Visitation for Jim will be on held on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one mile east of Randall Rd.),  Algonquin, IL. 60102.  A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin. Flowers can be sent to Willow Funeral Home.  Donations can be made to the Northwestern Foundation Organ Transplantation in honor of Jim Mittelbrun.

Online condolences may be expressed to his family by clicking on Tribute Wall.

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