James "Jim" M Ardovitch

James Michael Ardovitch, US Navy Veteran, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary of 61 years; children Mary Ann (Jim) Minick, Patricia (Bill) Scott, Joseph (Shokoh), grandchildren; Quincy (Nicole), Joseph (Sarah), Adam, Billy (Tina), Mark, Angela, Matt, Alexis, Nicholas, and Michael and many great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Adam J. and Mary Ardovitch and his son Anthony.

For almost his entire 87 years, Jim lived in the same house in Garfield Ridge. He attended St. Camillus Grammar School, St. Rita High School, and DeVry Technical Institute before joining the Navy in March 1958. While stationed at White Sands, New Mexico, he became a member of the Knights of Columbus.

While serving, he was transferred to Naples, Italy where he met the love of his life. As the story goes, Jim wrote a letter to Padre Pio asking him to help him find his soulmate. Not long afterwards, he met Maria Teresa Varriale – it was love at first sight. After a short courtship they married in 1962 and had three children, Mary Ann, Patricia, and Joseph.

In 1963, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ardovitch was discharged from the Navy and returned with Mary to the States. For a short time, he was a cameraman for Channel 7, WLS. When the station moved to New York, he became an electronics technician for Chicago Communications Service. After 32 years, he retired at the age of 62. Jim and Mary enjoyed many years of travel with family and friends. Every year, they returned to Italy in San Nicola, Calabria to visit with Mary’s family.

Jim was very active in his parish, St. Daniel the Prophet, serving as president of the Holy Name Society, volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul, an Usher since the age of 18; many may remember seeing him in his signature Red Jacket. He remained active in the Knights of Columbus earning “the Fourth Degree with the title of “Sir Knight”. He helped charter and was Grand Knight of the Saint Padre Pio Council. He was true to the organizations purpose to foster the spirit of patriotism, and encourage active Catholic Citizenship, he helped coordinate the annual Tootsie Roll Drive raising money for local charities. He volunteered for over 20 years with the USO at Midway Airport supporting local military service members and their families. Mary later joined him to participate in the Airport Ambassador Program, assisting visitors, staffing information desks, and supporting airport special events.

Visitation for James will be on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka, Manager), 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM, at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Prayer service is at 10:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St Daniel the Prophet Church, 5300 S. Natoma Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Committal service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 7201 Archer Rd. Justice, IL 60458 For more info. call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Ardovitch family.