James Burton Saag

James Burton Saag was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 16, 1930 to Lela Switow Saag and David Saag. Jim graduated from Mayo High School in Louisville and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. He enlisted in the Air Force as a First Lieutenant and spent most of his deployment stationed in the United Kingdom where he enjoyed time with cousins and visited many different European country’s. He moved to Chicago, Illinois where he met his wife of 62 years Gloria Speyer Saag (of blessed memory) They raised their three sons in Evanston, IL before moving to Northbrook, IL, and later Birmingham, AL. Jim worked as a consulting engineer focused on parking garage and highway design for several firms (longest with Jack E. Leisch and Associates). He was highly regarded as a great engineer and project manager as well as a dedicated mentor. He loved his career and did not fully retire until age 83. He was a consummate family man who never missed a family function and always had a positive outlook on life. Jim is survived by his two sons Ken (Leah) of Birmingham, AL, David (Sherrie) of Jacksonville, FL and predeceased by son Ben (Mary Anne) of Haines City, FL; grandchildren Rob (Debbie) Saag, Jenny (Chris) Keshishian, Steven Degan, Rachel Saag, Lauren (Yitzi) Peetluk, Stefanie Saag, Jordan Saag, Alex Saag, and Mathew Saag, great grandchildren: Oliver Saag, Ellie Saag, Clara Keshishian, and William Keshishian. A Private Graveside Service will take place on February 19th in Elmwood Cemetery, in Birmingham, AL (Rabbi Adam Wright presiding). In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Mitchell’s Place (Birmingham), TSA: Evanston Foodbank, or the Rheumatology Research Foundation