James T. Horan

The world lost a bright light March 18th, 2017 with the sudden passing of beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, musician, friend, and teacher, James T. Horan, age 60. Jim taught Latin, Greek, and English over a 34 year career at Loyola Academy and Hinsdale Central High School. His students repeatedly credited him for teaching them critical thinking skills tempered with great stories and great advice. Jim was known for his love of people, his interest in all things musical, and his sense of humor. His radiant smile reached so many people and places, and he had friends virtually everywhere, from spectators who recognized him running the Chicago Marathon to a nun he’d gone to school with at the Priscilla Catacombs in Rome. He was an incredible father to his two children, Lisa Horan, 27 and Robert Horan 24, and one of his proudest moments occurred last spring when he walked his daughter down the aisle. This year he also got a hole in one, was overjoyed to see the Cubs win the World Series, and as a baking guru, perfected the bubble structure in his baguettes. He was a true friend who made no prejudgments, and looked for the best in everyone, and a teacher who considered himself a student first. But most of all, he was a devoted husband to his sweetheart Ellen for 34 years. As best friends, they climbed mountains, swam in seas, and drank in all that life had to offer. His love for Ellen radiated around her and everyone who knew him knew that above all else, he was hers.

Jim is survived by his brothers Bob (Debbie), Dan (Angie), and Terry (Jill), his sisters Liz (Bill) Andrews and Ellyn (Michael) Elwart, his sister-in-law Lucy (Dirk) Herrman and a host of nieces and nephews. A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 from 3:00-9:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 7:00 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Interment will be private.