Visitation Information

James A Nilles, Sr., "Jim"

Passed away on April 23, 2026

James A. Nilles Sr., age 86, late of St. John, Indiana, formerly of Glenwood, Illinois, passed away on April 23, 2026.

Beloved husband of Blythe (nee Marinucci) for 64 and a half years. Loving father of James (Margaret) A. Nilles Jr. and Debra (William) Meekma. Cherished grandfather of Paige (Goki), Cameron, Corinne, and Courtenay. Dear great-grandfather of Asher James. Dear brother of Raymond, Larry, Laura, Judy, Barbara, the late David, and the late Richard; brother-in-law of Theresa, Mary Ann, and the late Shirley; and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a retired electrician and an avid train builder and collector. He shared his talent and creativity through train layouts he built for the Museum of Science and Industry and through his care of the Christmas display at Teibel’s Restaurant. He loved traveling, having visited all 50 states in his lifetime, steam trains, Stephen King books, and watching Harry Potter movies with his grandkids.

Above all, Jim will be remembered as a big kid with a young heart who loved making people laugh. He brought humor, imagination, and joy to those around him and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the stories & laughter he leaves behind.

Visitation Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm.  Funeral Services Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:30 am from the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th LN.) St. John to St. John the Evangelist Church – Day Chapel (Corner of 93rd and 41).  Entombment Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Orland Park, IL. For more information 219-365-3474.