James Chester Centella (Jim) age 84 died on Monday, December 6th, 2021 from complications due to Covid 19.

Jim was born on December 5th, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Chester and Laura Centella. He married his beloved wife, Connie, on June 18th, 1966. They were married 55 years and enjoyed countless adventures raising their daughters Jennifer and Tracy in Wadsworth, Illinois.

Jim served in the U.S. Army and immediately after, attended Parsons College where he met and married his sweetheart. His professional career began at Johnson Motors as VP of industrial relations. He moved on to Ozite Corporation, during which time he completed his master’s in business at Lake Forest College. Jim finished out his career as a personnel and sales manager at Waukegan Steel. Jim was a hard working man of integrity who helped and cared for others and used every opportunity to mentor those around him.

Jim loved spending time with his family and friends! He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, golfing, playing cards and telling jokes. He was also a big Bears fan!

Jim and Connie loved to travel. After retirement, they went full time in their RV and explored the United States for 2 years. Then they became snowbirds and split their time between Arizona and Illinois. Even while traveling, Jim made friends and family a priority. He and Connie loved attending every concert, play and sporting event in which their grandchildren participated. They were involved in the Alpha ministry at church and absolutely loved their small group.

If Jim could choose one word to describe himself, it would be “BLESSED!” At every family gathering and social event, he made it a point to let everyone know how blessed he was to have such a loving, fun group of family and friends. He was blessed that Jesus was his savior and that he was loved and was given such a wonderful life.

Jim is preceded in death by his dad, Chester and his mom, Laura. He is survived by his wife Connie, daughter, Jennifer Studebaker and husband Todd, daughter Tracy Eifert and husband Mark, grandchildren Teagan Studebaker (26), Dugan Studebaker (23), Emmett Eifert (22), Austin Eifert (19) and Mitchell Eifert (15).

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