James E. Oliff

March 17th, 2026

I started at Countryside Country Club in 2016 and Jim welcomed me like I was family. Over the years we did so many playing lessons and I got to know Jim on a much deeper level. He was one of the strongest people I knew! His outlook on life was very impactful to me and he always had the best attitude and my type of humor. I will miss Jim a lot, but am so thankful I was blessed to know him!

~Ben Ham
~Head Golf professional, Clearwater

March 9th, 2026

Margo and family
So sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing person and a kind a wonderful friend to those who knew him. He personified a true “Mench”.
It was an honor to know him.
Warmly,
Sandi Bercovitz

~Sandra Bercovitz
~Friend, Chicago

March 4th, 2026

Jim was one of the most remarkable men I ever met, given his keen intellect, insightful world-view while coupled with a strong sense of family and dedication to purposeful life. Jane and I enjoyed our time together with he and Margo and will always hold those memories with warmth and appreciation.

~Phil Mullins
~Friend, Berlin, Massachusetts

March 1st, 2026

Jim was always a man of intelligence, honor and integrity. His passing is a huge sadness! But Heaven is a happier place with many more laughs! Sorry we missed that last cup of coffee, my friend. Rest in peace!
Carol

~Carol Sexton
~Friend, Winnetka, Illinois

February 28th, 2026

My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Margo. I know it has been a long road for you all. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, from what I have read , he was without a doubt a wonderful human being who was highly regarded and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

~Karen Marx
~Friend of Margo, Safety Harbor, Florida

February 27th, 2026

Jim was a true gentleman. He made us feel so welcome when we lived in Chicago – and invited us to many Oliff family events.

Then he was the best ever theatre buddy when he used to visit London. We saw many shows and had many laughs. A lovely , kind, smart man who loved his family and had a special gift for making other people feel part of the the Filo Family. He will be so missed . Love Georgette , James and Harriet xxx

~Georgette Purdey
~A friend, England

February 27th, 2026

I was unable to attend the service, but wow what an amazing tribute to a truly remarkable man. I had the pleasure of working with Jim and experiencing his wisdom, humor and generosity firsthand as the colleague I remember as FILO. He made sure to check in occasionally over the years even after we moved on to different roles to see how my career was going and if he could assist in any way. He always spoke fondly of Margo and was so incredibly proud of his children. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies, and he definitely had a truly wonderful life. Peace and hugs to the Oliff family.

~Christine Lofland
~Collegue, NORTHBROOK

February 27th, 2026

I will always remember you! With your kindness, compassion and honesty combined with a wonderful sense of humor I am lucky to call you my friend. To me and my family, your memory will always be a blessing.
DDAY

~Dennis Teven
~Friend, Northbrook.

February 27th, 2026

Maureen and I are saddened by Jim’s passing. We send our condolences to his family. May Jim’s memory always be for a blessing.

~Maureen and Robert Berger Berger
~Friends, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

February 27th, 2026

Jimmy was a remarkable person, he was hard working and very successful but never thought himself better than the next person . He had a dry sense of humor that I loved He had a good heart and Sue and I will always be grateful for the time we shared
May he rest in peace for all eternity

~Elliot and Susan Solomon
~Friend, Highland Park Illinois

February 26th, 2026

Everything is captured by those who have posted .But Jimmy’s integrity was beyond reproach .Every conversation I have had in the last 24 hours begins with a remembrance of a situation where Jim’s integrity was tested and he never hesitated to deliver a response beyond reproach.The Talmud discusses that the first question asked of the deceased is HOW DID YOU CONDUCT yourself in human affairs[business]—well my friend if the GATES are not opened for you I have zero chance.Be at peace and I can say proudly as I review my life you are one of the people I have been glad to meet on this journey.One of our first discussion was about your years at Brandeis and you studied with Herbert Marcuse—Jim you were certainly not or ever was a ONE DIMENSIONAL MAN—be at peace,Yra Harris

~Yra g Harris
~, Scottsdale

February 26th, 2026

Jim was a valued source of wisdom, encouragement and friendship during my time at the CME. I was not the lone beneficiary of his good will. He will be missed by many. Paul O’Kelly

~Paul B O’Kelly
~CME Friend, Oak Park

February 26th, 2026

Jim changed my life for the better the day I met him and has never been far from my heart or my thoughts. I said this elsewhere, but he gave me the most unconventional job interview of my life on the 16th floor of the CME building back in the FFastfill days. I had the great fortune to connect with him again just a couple years ago as he was recovering and it gave me great joy that he was doing well. While I have been distant for a long time he was always near to mind. And the world will be just a little dimmer without him in it.

~Eric Taylor
~Friend and former employee, Chicago IL

February 26th, 2026

Jim always concerned for his family and friends.
Running around campus as freshmen and selling sandwiches in the student dormitories at 11:00 in the evenings. Jim’s sandwich business on campus after taking over the business from Abbey Hoffman.

~Allen I Oliff
~cousin / friend, Gwynedd Valley

February 26th, 2026

Jim was the definition of a people person. Once you knew him you may have forgotten things he said or not quite recall all the things that he did, but you will never forget how he made you feel. Jim had an extraordinary way of connecting with so many people whether in business, on the golf course, in the neighborhood or anywhere he went and he was never at a loss for words. With a twinkle in his eye and his wry sense of humor, Jim could express so much in very few words. His responses ranged from dry, to ironic, sardonic, and, even cynically clever at times. Jim often found black humor in difficult, or disappointing outcomes but his wit was particularly brilliant and biting when mocking the frequent absurdities in life. He truly was one of a kind. It was not just that he could find amusement in every day irritations or unexpected twists, but that he never failed to deliver his comments on the world around him with a matter -of – fact, straight face, that quickly morphed into sly but subtle facial expressions.. a raised eyebrow, sometimes a lop sided grin. His quiet, calm, delivery and dead pan tone sometimes left a listener unsure about whether he was serious or letting you in on his joke.
His humor was never loud or slapstick ..it was thoughtful, intellectual, frequently included some reference to the days events in the current political climate, and usually relied on smart, brainy word play that an inexperienced or unsuspecting recipient might need a few minutes to digest. And, if that happened, no one enjoyed watching that slow burn to realization more than Jim. Often self deprecating, he poked fun at himself and his own misfortunes even in the face of daunting medical challenges. Once when we were out to dinner and I was complaining about waiting in a long valet line as groups of older folks struggled to get into their cars, I remember him shrugging his shoulders, then telling me that inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened? That was his genius.. he would quietly acknowledge the irony of a bad situation and leave you smiling.
Jim, we will miss your humor, your kindness, your deep love for Margo, and for your children, your intense pride in your grandchildren and most of all your love for life. Your continual optimism, patience and acceptance of life, despite all that you endured these last few years will not be forgotten. You will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. Thank you for being there for me all those many years ago. I will never forget your care and concern. Love you, Jim. Resquiestat in pace.

~Patricia Oliff
~Extended family, Gwynedd Valley

February 26th, 2026

There are so many memories spread across the 59 years of friendship with Jim and Margo and family. I always “looked up to Jim as an older and wiser brother simultaneously to looking down on him from his my greater height . I miss him already.

~Steve Rosenfeld
~Classmate and friend, St. Louis, MO

February 25th, 2026

Wonderful memories of a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Mickey Norton

~Mickey Norton
~Friend, IL

February 25th, 2026

I had the honor and pleasure of serving on the CME Clearinghouse Risk Committee which Jim chaired. I learn so much from him. On a side note. I had the opportunity to play golf with Gill and him at the FIA Conferences in Boca Raton. Let’s just say we all had some good laughs and times in each round.

~Ronald Filler
~Industry Colleague, Nap;les, FL

February 25th, 2026

Whenever I asked Jimmy how he was doing, his familiar reply was, I’m having the time of my life.”
It captured his ironic wit and wonderful sense of humor- a perspective he carried even through difficult times. He was more than a colleague to me. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a trusted confidant. I am grateful for his wisdom, his kindness and how he approached life ,with humor and grace. He made a lasting difference in my life and I will remember him with respect and affection.
Howard Siegel, your co-chair

~Howard Siegel
~Friend, IL

February 25th, 2026

Dear Margo, Lee and I are so saddened at the news of Jimmy’s passing. He was such a great guy and fought so hard. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. He will be so very missed, but his memory will live on. We’re out of town until beginning of April, but would love to connect with you when we return. May his memory be for a blessing.

~Lee and Ellen Gussin
~friends, Highland Park

February 25th, 2026

Jimmy was a mentor and big supporter for the international growth of market infrastructure. As a trusted board member, his experience, humor and counsel proved invaluable. Jimmy was generous with his time, and always willing to consider new ideas. A true legend!

~Dave Feltes
~former colleague, London UK

February 25th, 2026

I don’t usually include my Roman numeral after my name, but to Jimmy I was always ‘Johnny Three Sticks’ so I had to. Mr.Oliff was a fabulous leader of what, in his lifetime, transformed into a global institution of unparalleled repute. He was instrumental in the development of the CME Clearing House and the protection of its financial integrity. It was my honor to serve for many years under his leadership first as staff and later as a member of the Clearing House Risk Advisory Committee which Jimmy chaired. He was always firm, fair and caring. I remember well the days when I would go down to the trading floor, and pull him out of the British Pound pit to go over some obscure topic on the Clearing House Committee agenda. Never a harsh word for pulling him away from his livelihood, and always thoughtful insight into complex issues. I remember his father as well and certainly the apple did not fall far from the tree. Oliff made many important contributions to the financial services industry which will be long remembered. He will be missed. Always a kind word, a keen insight, a tension breaking sense of humor and treating everyone, fellow member, staff, clerk, whomever with dignity and respect. His memory will always be a fond blessing.

~John P Davidson III
~Colleague, Scarsdale, New York

February 25th, 2026

FILO was such a great guy. He and I were sometimes on opposite sides of issues, but we were great friends. I truly appreciated his sense of humor, his counsel, his willingness to listen, his intellect, and his patience. Not many could have accomplished what he accomplished. Where his true genius availed itself was in running the strategic planning committee. He invited me to be a part of it. He was inclusive. CME wouldn’t have done what it did without him. He was so integral to it. God bless you all. I am sure you are sad today. Jimmy was so loved by so many. I hope that the light he brought to the world, and the light that shone back on him, warms your hearts forever. He was a great friend and a great man. We were all lucky to have been in his life. A mensch, if you will. Best Jeff Carter (CR)

~Jeffrey Carter
~Friend, Las Vegas, NV