James Stepien

James Stepien, 76, of Chicago, passed away on August 30, 2026. He was born on January 6, 1950, and was a lifelong Chicagoan.

James was part of the Stepien family behind the historic Beachwood Inn in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. His father, Leonard Stepien, founded the family business in 1950, and James and his brother, Robert, later ran the neighborhood tavern with their mother, Lorraine. The Beachwood Inn remained a family-run Chicago gathering place for 65 years before closing in 2015.

James is survived by his brother, Robert Stepien.

Aftercare arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL.