James Hajek

James I. Hajek, age 76, found peace July 11, 2024, at home, with his wife of 53 years and children by his side.

Jim is the beloved Husband of Elaine Hajek, nee Prizy, loving Father of James Douglas (Jen) Hajek and Jaime Elaine (Brad) Kennedy; Grandfather of Jesse James Hajek, Ava Lynn Hajek, and Sydney Rose Kennedy.

“Haj” taught Industrial Arts for 33 years. His career started at Hinsdale Central High School where he met Elaine on the first day of school, both as new teachers. They were married on the last day of school that very same year. He spent the rest of his career at Morton High Schools in the Graphic Arts program and Elaine followed as a math teacher until they both retired.

Many of his students became lifelong friends and he often said he’d go back to teaching tomorrow. Haj’s love of teaching was only overshadowed by his love for his family, his love of music, and his love of his Green Bay Packers. His greatest achievement was his grandchildren who called him “Pa”; his greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow and sharing their daily lives together. Family was everything to him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 9 a.m. to time of Service at 11 a.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, Ride Janie Ride, P.O. Box 307, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.

Peace,

Haj

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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