James Gaertner

James Gaertner was born June 9, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio to Lawrence and Florence (nee Prendergast) Gaertner. He died September 17, 2023 at Harbor Chase of Long Grove.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Judith A. (nee Mahle) Gaertner.

Jim spent his childhood on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio where he attended St. Jerome’s grade school, Collingwood High School and John Carroll University. A few years after graduating from John Carroll in 1958, he married the love of his life Judy, to whom he was married for 61 years.

Jim started his professional career as an insurance adjuster in Pennsylvania but soon moved to the Chicago area where he found his true calling in sales. Jim took a job in Allstate’s commercial insurance sales division and soon was regularly at or near the top of the list of best producing salesmen.

After working for several other insurance agencies, Jim eventually started his own commercial insurance agency where he specialized in selling insurance to trucking companies, car dealerships and construction companies.

Jim’s greatest joys were spending time with his wife, two sons and their families, and racing around the Chain of Lakes and Lake Michigan in his power boat. He also relished discussing politics and world events with friends and family. In their later years Jim and Judy enjoyed pontooning on Countryside Lake where they lived for many years after raising their two sons in Buffalo Grove. They also created many lasting memories while travelling throughout the United States and Europe.

Jim is survived by his sons Eric (Anne) Gaertner and Kirk (Lisa) Gaertner; his grandchildren Nathan, Emily, Megan and Alec, his brother John (Barbara) Gaertner, his brother-in-law Steve Mahle, and his many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Friday, November 3, 2023 at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment private.

Services will be held for family and close friends.