James L. "Jim" Ventresca, a resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Jim died fighting cancer in the presence of his wife and loved ones while in hospice care at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. He was 62 years old.

Born on July 24, 1956, in Chicago to Edward and Lorraine Ventresca. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife Doreen (nee Haas), two brothers, Michael (Linda) and Thomas (Gail) and families. He is also survived by his wife's brothers and sisters, Deborah (Jim) Jurinak, Fred (Janet) Haas, and Michael (Anita) Haas and their families.

Jim grew up in the city with his two brothers. A graduate of Prosser Vocational High School in Chicago, he worked as a tradesman before beginning a full career with the Chicago Transit Authority. A keen automotive enthusiast, he served the CTA as a bus mechanic until 1997. He then transferred to CTA's Law Department, working as a legal clerk, where he met his wife Doreen. He retired on March 1, 2005.

While a fan of Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs, he loved following racing. Whether horses or cars, Jim enjoyed the track. He even maintained and raced his own Corvette. He was also an avid, clever Scrabble player.

Jim and Doreen were fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement together. He was a devoted husband, as well as a kind and gentle family man. Having no children of his own, he doted on his nieces and nephews. A steadfast support to family and friends, he remained the most relaxed person in the room, any room, and held his Christian faith to the end.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 14, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Private interment will be held at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.