James Palmer Obituary

James Torrens Palmer

Jim Palmer, of Downers Grove, IL and Carmel, IN; passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 3rd.

Born in Detroit, MI, Jim was the youngest of four children to Wilson and Dorothy (nee Yount) Palmer. In 1951, Jim's family moved to Wilmette, IL where he attended New Trier High School. A 1957 graduate of Northwestern University, Jim played clarinet in the Northwestern symphonic and marching bands and became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

In 1959, while he was acting in a play at the College of St. Francis, Jim met Miriam "Mims" Orlowski. She became his devoted wife for 57 years and together they built their home in Downers Grove and raised a family of five children and one very spoiled dog. Jim worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. for thirty-two years in various areas of merchandise management. He enjoyed a second career designing and developing a national lampshade franchise under the name "A Shade Better".

An avid golfer and club-maker, Jim played courses throughout the Chicagoland area and spent much of his retirement as a starter at the Oak Brook Hills Golf Club. Jim was passionate about outdoor grilling and having family and friends over for cookouts as he perfected his barbecue sauce. A typical Saturday night saw Jim working the grill and Mims in the kitchen as they prepared Jim's gourmet burgers for a full house.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Janice Franzen.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam; daughters, Linda Palmer and Karen (Michael) McGowan; sons, Jim (Maryza) Palmer, David Palmer and Stephen Palmer; grandchildren, Rachel, Genevieve, Quinn, Isabel and Grace; and two brothers, Robert and Jack Palmer.

A memorial service will be held in November.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope of Indiana, 8450 N. Payne Road, Indianapolis IN 46054.

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services.

Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.