James Dudas Obituary

It's been a year since I learned of your passing - my heart is still so sad as I miss my friend. You were not just any kind of friend, you were my soulmate friend - My life is missing your humor and positive words. I can't begin to tell you how many times I see something that reminds me of you. Heaven surely gained the kindest of angels - but I so miss my best friend. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Everyday I pass the gas station or when I go have work done or get gas I miss your smiling happy face so much. You will NEVER be forgotten Jim. Susy is doing such a good job at keeping the business going just fine but we all miss you. You are in my thoughts and prayers...

We recently found out about Jim's passing. It was always a great joy to talk to him. We will miss him terribly.

I was shocked to the core when I heard about Jim"s passing,I still have a hard time thinking about it without tears.I heard about him from a friend of mine who has known him as long as I have, when he started Fairview Auto in the early 80's.
when I would call for an appointment he knew who I was without me saying my name, it was always """we'll take care of you Jan"""
and he always did.
His spirit will live on at Fairview Auto, probably watching over everything right now.
I will miss that voice when I go in
my sympathies to all the family and his Fairview Auto family as well

We have been out of town a few months when yesterday an old Reporter caught up with us. We are shocked to learn about Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person. He was always so friendly and helpful and would always put you at ease when you had a problem. He always called us by name and gave us his best smile. He will be greatly missed. We send our deepest sympathy to his family and employees.

We first learned of Jim's passing from a letter in the January 21 Reporter.

Jim and Fairview Auto have been taking care of our car for over 14 years. Our own "... we'll take care of it" experience with Jim happened a few years ago. We were in Wheaton on a Saturday morning when the radiator hose sprung a leak. We called Jim, who told us if we couldn't get the car fixed in Wheaton, he'd come there to help us. We were able to get a temporary repair job in Wheaton -- and, of course, headed straight to Fairview Auto. Jim checked everything, completed the repairs and sent us safely on our way.

We will miss Jim, not only as a businessman, but as a friend. Our deepest sympathy to the Dudas Family on their tremendous loss.

To Jim's family and everyone at Fairview Auto...

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing as we read the local paper today. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Dudas family and everyone at Fairview Auto.

For more that 20 years, Jim was always there to guide our family through a wide variety of problems with our cars. He knew all four of us by name, always greeted us with a smile, and always found a way to work us into his schedule -- even on short notice. We always felt better after talking with Jim -- even if the car problems were serious.

We will miss Jim for many reasons, but we also know that his spirit will live on through the business that he founded at Fairview Auto and the many lives that he touched in Downers Grove. We are blessed to have known you, Jim. Rest in peace.

We were deeply saddened to find out about Jim's passing. We just found out through a complimentary letter in the Reporter today. We had been out of town right after Christmas and missed the obituary. We have been using Fairview Auto services since we moved here in 1981. Jim and his crew have always been honest, friendly and extremely helpful with all of our auto services. Every time we visited Fairview Auto, Jim would greet us by name and wish us a good day as we left. Les is very mechanically inclined and has consulted with Jim and Bob many times about our vehicles - they always patiently discussed repair strategies with us. We will certainly miss this wonderfully friendly man who has given tremendous service to his community.

To the family of James Dudas - My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. When I read the obituary in the paper, I did not realize that it was this friendly man who would drive by in the early mornings and waive on his way to his station as I walked my dog so many times by his house. Now I am so saddened that Jim is gone. I never had the chance to meet him, except for that waive. I remember calling the station once to ask a question about my son's car and he couldn't have been more professional, friendly and helpful. What a shock and just an incredible loss to this community. He will rest in everlasting, eternal peace.

To Jim's family and to the employees of Fairview Auto Center.

It was very saddening and quite frankly shocked to hear today that Jim passed away on Christmas Eve.

As a former customer who was one of Jim's first customers, along with my Father, and brothers Chris and Mark, we just like to tell you he was one top notch guy.

Jim was a man whose word was golden and his bond, and who instilled those virtue of honesty, integrity, caring, and service to his employees. I know you all will miss his warmth, great sense of humor, and his passion to enjoy life, and to help others.

We heard he had one of the biggest turnouts for a person's funeral as one could even fathom. Well, that just let's you know what type of man he was, and how many people he helped over the years.

We would all still be Jim's customers' to this day, if all the Sullivan's had not gotten transfered for our jobs out of state. Believe me, we really missed not having him near us when our vehicles needed service.

Good bless Jim and the entire Dudas family, and to his loyal employees.

All Jim's customers were treated with respect and as friends. He will be missed.

Although I did not get to meet James, I know him through his brother Al. We are heartbroken by his sudden death. He will surely be missed, but will always live in our hearts. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to all his family. God Bless

Although I did not get to meet James, I know him through his brother Al. We are heartbroken by his sudden death. He will surely be missed, but will always live in our hearts. God Bless

Jim was a warm, sweet guy and always thoughtful and helpful. He embodied what it means to be a "neighborhood businessman" and I will miss seeing him. God bless and Godspeed.

Jim i miss ya already! It is strange calling the shop and not hearing your voice my friend! Jim you are at peace and enjoying yourself i am sure God Speed my friend.

My husband & I were stun to read Jim's name in the Reporter, early New Year's Day. We could not believe it was really about him until the whole item was read.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his loving Mom and family. We know that he will be missed by them but he will leave an empty spot in many other lives.

It would be hard to count how many lives Jim touched everyday with his cheerful and friendly smile, you just knew he was one of the good guys. Everyone knew Fairview Auto was one place you could count on for great and honest service. Have been a customer since he opened and couldn't even think about taking our cars anyplace else.

We'll miss his friendly wave either from his truck, going down Cumnor, or while being stopped in front of his gas station, by yet another train, from the counter of Fairview Auto.

It's going to be hard not to think you have dialed the wrong number when you don't hear his voice answering with "Fairview Auto".

Well the Lord must of needed himself a five star mechanic, so that's why he called Jim home.

Peace & Love to All,

To the Dudas family and the "gas station family,"

We were very saddened to learn of Jim's death. We have been customers ever since he started his own gas station. Not only was he the most honest businessman we have ever met, he was always cheerful, friendly, and willing to help. We feel fortunate to have known Jim and will miss him deeply. God bless you in this most difficult time.

I was so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. My sister, mother and I all bring our cars to Jim because he is very honest about what is wrong with your car and doesn't try to make a buck off problems that don't even exist. This honestly lead him to be the successful man and business owner that he was. We will miss him greatly!!

to the family of jimmy dudas,I found out through my mom of jim`s death.my grandpa robert kastner worked with him,I`m in minnesota now and could not be there for services,my condolenses to the family.miss you jimmy! rich in minnesota

To the Dudas Family-
I just cannot express how saddened I was to hear of Jim's death. I knew him for 20+ years because of the gas station. It was "fun" to bring my car in or buy gas - there was always a with chat with Jim. And I knew I never had to question the results of the work. I will miss his smile and ever positive attitude when I bring my car in.
Please accept my sympathy for you great loss.
Mary Ann Badke

There are few people in this world who can touch lives with their generosity, honesty, compassion and hard work like Jim was able to do. Growing up next to his grandparents, who would invite me over for milk and windmill cookies when I was a kid, I can see a strong family connection with those caring characteristics.

My mom once told me that "the only measure of your words and your deeds is the love you leave beind when you're gone..." We will all be better people for knowing Jim and learning from his grace.

Our deepest condolences to all of the Dudas family...you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim's passing was a shock to myself. He was a very special person. I always thought that his profession was very stressful...yet whenever stopped by Fairview Auto he always had a big smile and a happy dispostion. He'll be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Dear Dudas Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man, and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Sincerely,
Anthony and daughter Becca Sowinski

I was so surprised to hear of Jimmy's passing. I was just in a few weeks ago to have work done on my car. I never would have thought that it was the last time I would see him. I have known Jimmy since he was 9 years old. Even back then he was fixing the lawn mowers and anything else that he could get his hands on. Since then I have seen him grow into a very skilled mechanic and owner of his own business. I will deeply miss him as my mechanic and most of all as my friend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Dudas family.

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Dudas family. Amos you will be sorely missed.

Delores and Dudas Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my deepest sympathy. May Jim rest in Gods peace.
Doris Mizerka (Delaroy) Brookfield, IL.

I was shocked and surprised to hear about Jim's passing. My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends. Jim will always be someone special to those who knew and loved him.

I have known Jim for many years, and he had been the hardest working, friendliest and most honest man I knew. He will be missed by many people, including me and my family.

Dear Dudas Family,

I am so sad to hear of such a loss to us all.
Although I have lived away from the area for some time now, I have never forgotten how Jim could brighten my day, make me laugh, or offer his help in any way on a daily basis when I worked in the auto parts business.

Jim was a wonderful man, and a great inspiration to me.

I'm very glad to have known him, and to have considered him a friend.

I only wish I could have attended the services in person.

You are all in my prayers.

Larry Karesh
(formerly of Westmont)

Dear Dudas Family, I am so saddened to hear of your sudden and tragic loss. Jim was a great man. he was always willing to help others. I will miss him dearly. I was at the wake last nite and with everyone that showed up, that proves what a wonderful person Jim was. heaven now has an angel. Jim will be missed alot.

My Dearest Dudas Family,

I am stunned, shocked, and just so sad. Jim was such a dear friend to me. He was alway so thoughtful, kind, and giving of his time. He never lacked for an encouraging word just to brighten my day. My heart is heartbroken for the loss of my dear friend. He was my angel on earth and the loss I feel now is overwhelming.

I could type paragraphs about what this truly wonderful man brought into my life. I will miss him being a daily part of my life, and I'm so saddened - but I do know now there is an angel in heaven looking over ALL of us - what a gift he was!

I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you - we are all shocked at the unexpected passing of our beloved Jim.

Please know that all the Dudas Family is in my prayers and thoughts. Molly and Rory - Jim and I often stayed up late talking at night while he waited for one of his children to come home. You 2 were truly the joy in his heart, everyday.

If there is anything I can do to help you in this time of need, please don't hesitate to contact me. I so wish I lived closer to have paid my respects. Just know I was with you in spirit.

Jim, I so miss you my friend. My life was so much better because you were in it - Rest in peace, knowing you are loved and terribly misssed.

Lori Hardy
Charlotte, NC

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was an honorable man. We will all miss him.

I knew Jim since the late 1970's, when I first moved to Downers Grove (even today, I still give Fairview Auto Center my business whenever possible). Jim was a big man with an even bigger heart and the biggest smile on the planet . . . with an amazing ability to remember everyone's name. Jim always treated his customers fairly, squarely, and without pretense. He will surely be missed, but hopefully the spirit of his business will live on with the great guys (and gals) who have worked with him over the years.

Dear Dudas Family, I am so saddened to hear of your sudden and tragic loss. Jim was a great man. He had a gre at sense of humor and such a giving heart. He will be missed. He went the extra mile to help me out. I did not find out about his passing until it was too late in the day to join you at the wake. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Pat Molloy (McHenry, IL)

His kindness, generosity, friendly smile, will be missed by all of us. He was the most thoughtful man, from taking our son (Ryan) clay shooting, to giving Samantha her sunkist orange drink to get her day started on the way to school. Always there when we needed anything. Ryan wishes he was here at this time but stationed in Okinawa and unable to make it home he sends his thoughts and prayers. Mike will miss your calls for the advertising department and making him smile daily. Thank you for being you and we are so blessed to have known you.

KNEW JIM SINCE 1984 AS ONE HIS MANY LOYAL CUSTOMER. BESIDES BEING ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS AROUND. HE WAS FAIR AND HONEST. JIM YOU ARE GOING TO MISS.

Dolores and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You have my deepest sympathy.
Rita Beaver (Argonne)

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jim. Jim and I went to high school together and he always such a jovial and pleasant guy, even as a young man. On the rare occasion I attended St Mary's church, usually of Christmas Eve, ( I attend St. Joan of Arc in Lisle) and we would see each other, he would always give a wave across the pew and come over to say Hi and give a hug. We remembered each other and shared fond memories from years past. A death at his age makes mortality seem so real, since I am the same age as he is. I just wanted his children to know that you had one very friendly, nice Dad.

Jim was a very special man. Our family thought very highly of him. We not only appreciated him for the honest and qualified mechanic he was but for his wonderful personality.

My daughter, Megan said Jim was one of only two people she knew that was " a truly nice man". Megan came to Jim for MANY problems with her car and Jim was always patient and kind, no matter how naive she was about problems with her car. Jim took care of her car after she caught it on fire for not realizing she had to pay attention to the check engine light. Megan, said she will remember how friendly Jim always was and how patient and kind he was to all the little old ladies that came into the shop. Jim was always quick with a "hello there" and "don't worry, we'll take care of it."

My husband, Mark came to Jim 22 years ago when after driving me to the hospital to have our second child at Central DuPage Hospital the water pump went out on our only car. Jim told him he'd fix it that very day so Mark could get back to the hospital to visit us.

Another time I remember going to Jim for a problem with our car, and Jim honestly told us that this was an expensive repair that should be covered under our car's warranty. He
was right. His honesty saved us over $1,000 and lost him a large repair. We bragged to many people about how honest & trustworthy Jim was to his customers. Many people may not know this but, Fairview Auto was written up in Chicago Magazine for being one of the very best auto repair shops to have your car repaired; Fairview Auto shop was known for being fair and reliable.

I remember back in 1986, when looking for our first house, Jim had been our mechanic for a few years already. Our real estate agent had
suggested we look in Naperville for a home. After brief consideration, we decided no, we wouldn't look there. I told Mark I trusted Jim as our mechanic and I didn't want to move away from him, that he was a gold mine and we could find a nice home in Downers but I didn't think we could find a mechanic as wonderful as Jim.

The Mencinsky Family is very sorry for your loss, Jim's death was so sudden and unexpected. He touched
more lives than either he or you will
know. We will never forget him and
will think of him everytime we go to
Fairview Auto.

Our deepest condolences to his family and all his friends.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father Rory and Family.

John Poshepny
Friend of Rory's

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

We are so sad to hear about Jim's passing. He was such a nice man, always willing to help out everyone and always had a smile on his face. He treated his customers at the station like he knew them all his life. He will be greatly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.