James Migala Obituary

James J. Migala, M.D.

Born: June 22, 1940

Died: April 14, 2017

James Joseph Migala, M.D., 76, of Elmhurst, died peacefully at home April 14, 2017, of Pancreatic Cancer as did his precious daughter, Juliana, in 2013. We grieve his loss, but rejoice that he is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Cherished husband of Judith nee Hoffman; dearly loved father of Michael (Christine), Lucy (Paul) Jaske, Rebecca, Eileen (Steve) Rogstad; wonderful grandfather to Fiona, Nicholas, Wesley, Emily, Ryan, Megan, Heidi, and Joshua; son of the late Emil and Irene nee Bartkowicz; brother to Mary Lou (John) Balazs, Paul (Diane), and Steve. Brother-in-law of Bob and Anita Hoffman; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews, and one of many great cousins. He treasured his friends.

Born June 22, 1940, in Chicago, Jim briefly lived in Milwaukee, WI, grew up in Chicago, went to St. Patrick's High School, Loyola University, and graduated Stritch Medical School 1965. Married in 1964, completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at U. C. Irvine, California; drafted 1970-1972, served as a Major at Ft. Stewart, Georgia; lived in Lafayette, California while on staff 1972-1973 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Walnut Creek. He settled in Elmhurst in 1973; opened his practice, was on staff at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, and subsequently was Medical Director of Surgery until retirement. He was Vice-President (1991-1993) and then President of the Medical Staff at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital from 1993-1995.

After accepting Jesus as his Savior in 1977, he demonstrated his faith the rest of his life, including becoming an ordained minister. He loved God, his family, friends, and sports, especially golf. Our 1967 blue and white VW Bus was part of our family, taking us cross-country many times. He eventually enjoyed our 30 year parade of cats. He mostly willingly agreed to a lifetime of u-turns, some of his own choosing. He encouraged each of us in our gifts and quests. He was a gentle, loving, generous, patient, caring and wonderfully wise man. We are grateful for him and he will be dearly missed. Thank you to all who assisted in his care.

Visitation at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 Spring Road, Elmhurst, from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, April 21, 2017 with a Memorial Service at 6:30 P.M. Interment Saturday, April 22, Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook. Please arrive 9:45 AM for 10:00 AM Internment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Action Network (www.pancan.org), or Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.org).

Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com