James B. Lesniak

James was born January 17, 1972, in Arlington Heights, IL, the son of James Albert and Laura J. (Tezak) Lesniak. He married Kathryn Kleeman on December 1, 2001, in Chatham, IL.

James moved to the Springfield area with his parents in 1974. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1990 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He then went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University. James was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity while in college. He was employed as an attorney for the State of Illinois-CMS and previously worked for James A. Lesniak and Company. James loved music and playing the guitar. He was an avid reader and comic book collector. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, especially going camping and taking part in other outdoor activities with his son, Lucien. James was a caring son, loving husband, and wonderful father.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Albert and Sophie Lesniak and his maternal grandfather, Leonard Tezak.

James is survived by his wife, Kathryn Kleeman Lesniak; son, Lucien Lesniak; parents, James A. and Laura Lesniak , all of Springfield; grandmother, Loretta Tezak of Lincoln; aunts, Lynn (Jerry) Spohn, Lois (Gary) Buckley, Geraldine Drake, and Jacqueline Lynn; and many cousins.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.