James William Mizener

1942 - 2020

James William Mizener obituary, 1942-2020, Downers Grove, IL

James Mizener Obituary

James William Mizener

Born: October 8, 1942

Died: November 14, 2020

Jim Mizener, District 99's biggest fan, went home to Jesus on November 14. At 78 years young, he died of complications from internal bleeding, after battling COVID-19 for 14 days at Good Samaritan Hospital, fighting to the last and even making a "comeback" from double pneumonia the day before his homegoing. Jim was born on October 8, 1942 in a little farmhouse in Lisle and lived his entire life in the Downers Grove area. He was born to William and Thelma Mizener and was the 2nd youngest of seven siblings: Floyd, Larry, Loretta, (who also died from COVID-19 along with her beloved husband Stan), Carol, and Verna, and Judi, the youngest.

Jim attended Downers Grove North (DGN) for one year before moving to the newly constructed Lisle High School, graduating in 1960. He was thrilled to attend Eastern Illinois University where his older brother had attended, and he was extremely involved in the sports scene in Charleston.

He married his wife Diane Goddard, also a teacher at Downers Grove South High School (DGS), in 1967. They were happily married over 53 years. As an architect, Jim designed the house they lived in for 52 years on Dunham Road. He was the proud father of daughters Becky and Laurie and loved spending time with his granddaughters, who are athletes, artists and musicians in North Carolina and Colorado.

He dedicated his entire career to DGS and later to DGN as well. He began as the drafting/architecture teacher at DGS in 1965 and also served as the head of the Industrial Technology Department. Immediately upon retirement, he went back to work at DGS as an aide. He also taught architecture classes at the College of DuPage and worked as a freelance architect together with dear friend and fellow DGS teacher Dave Claus.

Jim worked at DGS for fifty-five years as a teacher, department chair, and public address announcer for hundreds of sporting events. His influence and guidance led many of his students to become architects throughout the Midwest. He is remembered by alumni and current students of the school as the "Voice of the Mustangs," his voice as much a part of football games at DGS as the fall air and the sound of the marching band. He announced every event possible in District 99 and even beyond. Always wanting to help on his "days off," he also served as a volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove where he was often seen helping in the parking lot and greeting worshippers.

Jim was a beloved figure in Downers Grove. He possessed a unique ability to make one feel like he was a lifelong friend within minutes of meeting him. He was instrumental in founding the DGS Athletic Hall of Fame to which he was inducted in 2005. This was an honor he cherished and one he bestowed upon dozens of former DGS athletes and coaches. He was also inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Jim helped secure sponsorship for a new electronic scoreboard for the baseball team and diligently maintained the sports display cases at school. Jim loved sports and loved getting to know students even more. He took a genuine interest in people and lovingly mentored generations of students, as noted by one family impacted by him: "he was the definition of the best in humanity. He represented a true gentleman with impeccable character, integrity, work ethic, strong faith, love for family, and sincere care and dedication to helping students and athletes succeed in every aspect of life." Jim is remembered by friends, family, former students, and community members as genuine, caring, kind, honest, and passionate.

One former student called him an "absolute gentleman," a sentiment echoed by dozens of friends and colleagues. His friends at the scorer?s table at DGS basketball games promise to remember him at every tip off, and in the press box with every kickoff on the football field; it's impossible for them to imagine watching a game without Jim, as he only missed one home football game in the last 15 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane, his siblings Carrol Mizener Paranto, Verna Mizener Burleigh, and Judith Mizener Calhoun, his beloved children Laura Mizener and Rebecca Mizener Burnett, and his cherished grandchildren Kathleen Burnett, Anissa Burnett, Sophia Burnett, Anneli Burnett, and Aleah Edwards.

A memorial service will sadly not be held at this time because of restrictions, and Jim's wish to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. The simplest way to honor Jim is to wear your mask and avoid gatherings large and small, even with extended family unless precautions are carefully taken--- no one can be too careful. He knew how many were praying for him, he was so very thankful, and the doctors were amazed how hard his body was fighting to defeat the virus and the severe double pneumonia. He remained positive, determined, and cheerful to the very end, when he quite unexpectedly began to bleed internally. Even going into the ICU Jim had a good grip and a positive attitude. Plans will be announced for a memorial service at a later date, which can allow those who wish to honor his impact on his friends and community to do so.

Jim's ashes will be interred at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Jim Mizener Scholarship Fund, care of Community High School District 99, South High School, 1436 Norfolk Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516.

Online donations are also welcomed at https://csd99.revtrak.net/jim-mizener-scholarship/

Jim exemplified this motto:

'Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.'

(--- John Wesley)

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Nov. 26, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

JEFFRY PIETRAS

School

May 21, 2021

JEFFRY PIETRAS

School

May 21, 2021

JEFFRY PIETRAS

School

May 21, 2021

I was lucky enough 2 have Jim as my teacher. And also had Dave as a teacher too both these fine Men shaped My life........
The Classes i took gave the insight 2 design " Our " Famiy House landscaping. Rest in Peace Jim, Ill see you on the other side.
Sincerely,
Jeffry Pietras
Class of 1984 D.G.S.

JEFFRY PIETRAS

School

May 21, 2021

Dear Family of James Mizener,

Mrs. Diane Mizener, I do remember you as my sub all the way back when I went to Downers South High School. Becky, I remember you too from back then. I seldom talked to you, but you might had known my sister Sabitha who was in your graduating class. And Laurie, I remember you too but I seldom spoke to you. To all three of you, I just want to tell you that I did know James back when I was in DGS although I was never his student and I'm very sorry.about the loss of him. May God bless you all in this time of sorrow. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I'll miss him and may his soul rest in peace.

-Naren Niti
P.S. I hope you all remember me.

Naren Niti

Acquaintance

December 1, 2020

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