James W. Carden

James W. Carden, age 73, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. Born on August 6, 1952, Jim grew up in Lombard and graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1970. He went on to build a long and respected career as a home builder and the proud owner of Carden Construction.

Jim was the son of the late Ervin Carden and Marion (Baur) Carden, and he will be laid to rest beside them. He is survived by his daughters, Lindsey (Matt) Kenner and Ashley (Jared Anderson) Hazdra; his beloved grandchildren, Lily and Caspian Kenner and Enso Anderson; his brother Glenn (Barb) Carden; his sisters Eileen (Phil) Votava and Phyllis (Al) Fleming; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Jim loved country music, watching movies, and playing pool. He cherished family, friendship, a good joke and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by the people he loved. His resilience was remarkable—having overcome leukemia in the late 1990s, he faced cancer once more with the same quiet strength. He was a proud father and grandfather who will be remembered for his humor, love, patience and unwavering acceptance.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home and Cemetery, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. A chapel service will follow on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with interment immediately afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James Carden can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.