James A Chevrier

James A. Chevrier was born March 17, 1938 in Elmhurst, IL the son of A. Bryan and Margaret (Finnegan) Chevrier. He was raised in Villa Park, IL and was active with scouting where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. At an early age Jim developed a love for Corvettes. He purchased his first at the age of 19 and it was a 1957 Corvette that he won the World Series of Drag Racing with in Cordova, IL. Jim joined U.S. Army in 1961 and served two years in El Paso, TX where he worked in the motor pool. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1963 but continued to serve in the reserves until 1967. On May 28, 1966 Jim was joined in marriage to Helen Valerie Schmitz at St. Alexander Catholic Church in Villa Park, IL. Jim worked for Northern Illinois Gas Company before and after his time in the service. He started work there as a car washer and gasser and then moved up to transportation (coordinator) Technician as a fleet mechanic, and then pipeline inspector. He worked for the company for 40 years and retired in 1996. He served as Union Steward for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Illinois. In 1997 Jim and Helen moved to Hayward, WI on Grindstone Lake where Jim had been visiting and his family has owned property since the 1950’s. Jim enjoyed skiing, gardening and taking meticulous care of his yard. He was a member of the Eagle Scout Association and the Elmhurst Ski Club for many years. He is still a proud owner of a 2010 Corvette.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen and one brother-in-law, John Schmitz JR (Rosemary), one nephew, John Schmitz III and great nephew, John Schmitz IV.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or Northwoods Humane Society, Hayward.