James Habdas

James W. Habdas, 71, lifelong resident of Westmont, IL peacefully passed away with his wife and daughter at his side, on February 22, 2021 after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. Jim was born on March 15, 1949 in Aurora, IL to exuberant parents Frank and Naomi, who instilled the values of honesty, integrity, perseverance and great humor. He was a 1967 Graduate of Downers Grove North. Jim was the proud owner of ATI truck and equipment repair for 35 years, where his clients often became close friends. Prior to building ATI into a unique mobile repair service, he worked at Hendrickson International as a large equipment diesel technician. Jim enjoyed Ham radio, his motorcycle, entertaining his family by speaking in riddles, gardening and vacationing with his wife, and spending time with his family and friends. Likewise, Jim and his wife, Barb happily devoted affectionate care for Jim’s childhood home that his father, Frank, built brick by brick for his bride Naomi, in 1951. Several generations of the Habdas family were nurtured in that special home, providing a deep sense of love and connectedness that enriched Jim throughout his life. Jim leaves behind the love of his life, his Barbie Doll, his wife of 26 years, Barbara Habdas (Musil), children from his first marriage; cherished daughter, Kathrine Dixon (Frank) and their children Andrea and Frank Jr; his only son and name sake, Joshua James, step children Andrew, Daniel and Kimberly Kohut, his brother, Frank Habdas (Maureen, deceased in 2010), sister Debbie Starnes (Richard) ; brother in law Doug Musil, grand children: Kyle Kohut, Kevin Felter (Kohut), Dan Kohut Jr; great grandson, Keaton Felter, many loved nieces and nephews, and beloved friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Naomi Habdas, and his brother Stephen. There will be a memorial service, announced at a later date in the Spring. Please follow the Facebook page “Remembering Jim Habdas” for memorial updates. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.