James Thomas Houlihan Jr.

James Thomas Houlihan Jr., 79, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, was born on August 7th, 1946, in Evergreen Park, IL., and passed away at home due to a sudden illness on March 14, 2026.

Jim’s life was a testament to service, faithfulness, and selfless dedication. Jim was a man of many enthusiasms and skills who always found a way to protect and serve. As a schoolteacher, a law enforcement officer, a family man, a faithful Christian, and a good neighbor, he strove to ensure that others had what they needed to grow and thrive in safety. He was especially honored to serve his community for over 35 years in the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving commendations for meritorious service as a homicide detective, FBI liaison, and internal affairs investigator.

Jim loved guiding others to new adventures, new restaurants, new sights, and new learning. As an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Jim was always excited to chase musky in the North Woods, catch permit in the Florida Keys, and to hunt, shoot, and explore beautiful places in nature. He also had a passion for all things that grow, spending many hours with plants, flowers, and his beloved grass. He often enjoyed art, music, and taking his grandkids to stores, zoos, museums and other attractions. If it was unique and fun, he wanted to go and take you with him, especially if it was something only his beloved city of Chicago could offer.

Jim will be remembered best and missed most by his close family, to whom his constant presence, unceasing provision, pithy quotes, irreverent pranks, and affectionate worrying all revealed him as a man with a naturally generous and tender heart that often lay hidden under a deceptively gruff exterior. To have him in your life was to have gained a personal jester, a fiercely biased advocate, a 24-hour weather alert system, and a caring friend who would go the distance with you in any struggle. He will be sorely and deeply missed.

Jim was the faithful husband of Susanne nee DeVries; loving father of Colleen (Mark) Schultz, Jaime (Joshua) Blunt and James III (Jaime) Houlihan; cherished grandfather of Lauren Blunt, Jason (Amelia) Blunt, Samuel Blunt, Megan Houlihan, Julia Schultz, Jack Houlihan, Andrew Houlihan and Benjamin Schultz; proud great-grandfather of Jane Blunt and a new baby arriving in April; fond brother of the late Mary Ann "Sissy" (James "Mac") McManus, Geraldine (David) Finley, John Houlihan, Marguerite "Peggy" (Gregory) Peck, Lorraine “Lorch” (Bernard) Krueger and Michael Houlihan; caring uncle of many nieces and nephews; dearest son of the late Dr. James Houlihan Sr. and Dr. Lorraine Houlihan.

Arrangements for a memorial service are not yet complete but will be posted here once they are known.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Jim’s name.