Obituary
A gentle, graceful man with an enormously sweet disposition he earned a degree in composition from the American Conservatory of Music and later earned an M.S. degree in Computer Science and Mathematics followed by an MBA.
Prior to retirement, Jim was the Director of Information Science at Stenograph Corporation. Years prior he was a key figure in the music scene. His keyboard work spans various genres and includes opening for both “The Who” as well as “The Grateful Dead”. He was the keyboardist/arranger for the acclaimed group Aorta, recorded with Minnie Ripperton and opened the Astro Dome as the keyboardist for Tanya Tucker. Jimmy and his wife Peggy performed together as the popular duo “Playmates” in the local area and they also wrote and performed TV and radio jingles.
Jimmy was a kind man who was always there for others – he rarely said no to anyone and he will be missed beyond words.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canavan Research Illinois, www.canavanresearch.org.
Memorial Service, Thursday 3:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Thursday, February 26th at 3:30 pm
Service Location: Memorial Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
March 2nd, 2026
March 2, 2026
Dear Peggy,
I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Jimmy. I hope the beautiful memories of Jimmy will make you smile as you recall your lovely life with him.
Love, your friend, Edie Newman
~Edie Newman
~friend, Glenview, IL
February 27th, 2026
Dear Peggy and family
Sending love and condolences at such a difficult time. We are thinking of you and all those who knew and loved Jimmy. A love like yours lasts an eternity. 🩷🙏
Cousin Dianne
~Dianne Babbitt Ferris
~Cousin, Ft Lauderdale, FL
February 26th, 2026
I met Jimmy several times over the years whenever I was in Chicago. Every time I left I always said to myself he is one of the kindest, nicest and most patient people I have ever met. If you think about it, those are very rare qualities. I have nothing but great memories of him. Not for extraordinary acts, but for simple acts of grace. May his memory be a blessing.
~Edward Shapiro
~Cousin to Peggy, Alpharetta
February 26th, 2026
Our heartfelt condolences..
~Jayasri@joyce
~Friend mom of theresa, Skokie ill
February 26th, 2026
We enjoyed knowing Jim for many years. He was a gentle man with unlimited patience. Jim and Peggy had a wonderful marriage. Jim adored Peggy, and she was a very devoted and loving wife to him. They admired and supported each other, and were happiest when they were together.
~Claudia and Tom Lenz
~Friends, Lincolnwood, IL
February 25th, 2026
Peggy
Despite the time and distance between us, your loss is a loss for us all.
Deepest sympathies and much love,
Michael
~Michael R Babbitt
~First cousin to Peggy, Cuyahoga Falls
February 24th, 2026
An amazing grandfather that took me and my brother on so many adventures. A huge part of my childhood. He will be deeply missed.
~Markus
~Grandson, Phenix city Alabama
February 22nd, 2026
I’ve not been living in Chicago for a long time, but I fondly remember seeing Jimmy and Peggy perform at several Chicago-based venues. They were fantastic! Jimmy was kind and sweet, I guess that’s the feeling I always got when I was in his presence. Jimmy and Peggy had a special relationship that serves as a beautiful reminder of what it means to really love and care for another.
~Donald Altman
~first cousin to Peggy, Oregon
February 21st, 2026
He was a wonderful person.
~Mary LaLoggia & Brent Bauer
~Frend, Palatine, Illinois
February 21st, 2026
I remember how funny he was. He always had a smile on his face. When I was a kid I remember him putting on a rockstar wig to make me laugh! Such a kind and loving man. Thinking of you Aunt Peggy and sending love.
~Karen
~Niece,
February 21st, 2026
I met Jimmy in 1967 after he replaced Marty Grebb in my favorite live band, The Exceptions. He was simply amazing on the keyboards. I have remained friends with all of the Exceptions band members through the years, but in Jimmy’s case, due to distance, our communication has been by phone and email rather than face-to-face. For maybe 20 years he bravely fought an epic battle with cancer and I began to think he might outlive all of us. He was a gentle man, but he was tough. I am very sad that he has left us, but I believe he is already playing music with the angels. Rest In Peace, my friend.
~Mac Macoy
~Friend, Mesa, AZ
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