James Arthur Cusack

James A. Cusack, 83, of the Lake Geneva area passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer while at his home with his loving wife Jeanne on June 14, 2020.

Born James Arthur Cusack of the late Jack (John) and Marie (Johnson) Cusack in Chicago, Illinois on April 12, 1937.  Jim was fourth of six kids, proceeded by his sister Deloris, and his brothers Jack and Don, survived by his loving brother Tom and youngest sister Kathy. Jim grew up on the south side of Chicago, learning in his early years the love of family, and that each day we must thank God and share with those in need. Jim worked his life and trade with his hands, and he knew the value of a hard day’s work. 

In November of 1958 James entered into the United States Army, assigned to the 25th Artillery Battalion at Fort Sill OK. It was their Jim gained skills he would take into his future, excelling as a specialist in Artillery Surveyor, later to be applied in his civilian life becoming a Master Carpenter. 

It was during his Army years that he met his life long-love, Jeanne. On a beautiful day in April he first laid eyes upon Jeanne and he knew his soldering days would forever change.

He prepared the ring, and engraved words inside for Jeanne to read, that would last for a lifetime, “Forever April” which meant to them the month and day that they first met casting their love together forever. 

On August 26th, 1961 James was united into marriage to Jeanne Ann Markwell in Chicago, Illinois and he began his trade as a union carpenter in the city growing with his family in love, just as the Chicago skyline grew with the labor of his hands. 

His trade took him from Chicago as he worked with Pepper Construction as a Master Carpenter, excelling in his trade and in time working from coast to coast US and Canada. 

In 1973 he became a friend to Bill W. and for 47 continuous years he worked to share his faith and recovery to those in need. He was known by close friends as Jim C - mentor, friend, and brother. 

Upon retirement from his vocation, Jim did not settle into a life of relaxation, no for Jim he took up the plight of those he could support. Lake Geneva Side by Side became his first devotion to those in need. While always taking each new sunrise One Day at Time, he walked with those in need. Jim would say to those he loved, “Are we ever certain WHO is at the table”.  Then to a stranger he would hand them a card from Catholic Workers, Side by Side, or Voces de la Frontera to whom he fought to support the Immigrant Worker. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanne, his four children: Deborah (and Albert) Stermer of Lake Geneva; Diane (and James) Hincks of Oak Lawn, Illinois; James (and Mary Jo) Cusack of Barrington Illinois; and John (and Patrizia) Cusack of Chicago, Illinois. He was called Papa by his 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. James is survived by his loving brother Tom and sister Kathy who he kept close to his heart. James was proceeded by his sister Deloris, brother Jack and most recently his brother Don, who introduced him to his friend Bill W on his birthday in 73 and DOS. 

To all who loved our beloved Jim - brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend - he would say to you “I’m not afraid. I believe, one day at a time.” 

In advance the family of Jim thanks you and asks that your condolences are expressed as outlined below:

Private family services for James will be held at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has asked that you make a donation in Jim’s name to VOCES DE LA FRONTERA. See link provided below.

To sign the online guest registry please click the “Share a Memory” tab on the left side of your screen.

Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Jim’s family during their time of need.  

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