James C. Bagley, of Ottawa, passed away following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on July 24, 2017, in Chicago, IL, with his family by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017, at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, in Ottawa, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at Ottawa Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the visitation. Friends and family are invited to remain and share memories of Jim and the joys that he brought to the lives of others. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Jim was born on October 15, 1948, to Gladys and Elwood Bagley in Clinton, Iowa. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Low Moor, IA, which always held a special place in his heart. Jim graduated from Central Community High School in DeWitt, IA, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from The University of Iowa. Upon graduation from The University of Iowa, he taught at Seneca Grade School in Seneca, IL, for 17 years. During this time, Jim also coached basketball and baseball at Seneca Junior High, as well as baseball at Seneca High School. He continued his education, receiving his MS in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education (CAS) from Illinois State University. He served as Principal of Center School in Morris, IL, and as Superintendent of Marseilles Elementary School and Peru Grade Schools. After retiring from Peru Grade Schools, he shared an interim superintendent position at Putnam County Schools.
Jim was a dedicated and proud member of many civic and professional organizations both during his career and following his retirement. Jim participated in many educational organizations including LEASE (LaSalle Education Association of Special Education), VOICES (a group of area educational leaders who advocated and worked to improve the schools in Illinois), Illinois Education Association/National Education Association, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois School Business Officials, Illinois Association of School Boards, and Illinois/LaSalle County Retired Teachers Association.
Jim was also active in the local chapters and served on the executive boards of Rotary, PADS, Youth Service Bureau of Eastern LaSalle County, and Reddick Mansion. He was elected to the 400 Condominium Association Board in Chicago and served as Vice-President of the Board and Chairman of the Safety Committee.
Jim will be remembered and forever treasured for his kind and caring spirit, thoughtfulness and generosity, witty and humorous remarks, contagious smile, and, above all, his ability to see the best in all people.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn; daughters, Katie Bagley and Molly (Jeremy) DeBernardi; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Michael) Elenz; brothers-in-law, Jim (Megan) Lawler and Jon Hulting; nephews Scott (Mary Beth) Hulting, Will Lawler and Keith Lawler; nieces Lisa (Todd) Lampe, Colleen Fenwick and Malynda Castaneda; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Elwood Bagley; mother, Gladys Bagley; sister, Fern Hulting; father-in-law, Richard (Dick) Lawler; and mother-in-law, Mary Lawler.
Pallbearers will be Stan Baker, Rod Engstrom, Roger Hill, Tom Gumm, Rich Myers, Greg Ryan and Mike Vezzetti. Honorary pallbearers will be Dean Bartholomew, Jim Hofer, Dave Mayberry, Kim Peters, and Jim Whitmore.
Memorials may be directed in Jim’s name to the National Parkinson Foundation-Chicago, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network- Greater Chicago, or Gilda’s Club of Chicago.
Jim has been laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.
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