John Patrick Balmes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Patrick Balmes. Born in Evanston, IL, on April 12, 1937, John peacefully left us on October 25, 2024, at the age of 87. He spent nearly his entire life in Wilmette, apart from his service in the United States Army in Germany, where he was awarded the “Army Good Conduct Medal.”

John was the youngest of eight children in a family that was one of the eight founding families of Wil-mette, having immigrated from Trier, Germany. Tragically, his father passed away when John was just ten years old, compelling him and his siblings to work together to support one another. During this time, John worked as a pinsetter at Bleser’s Bowling Alley (now The Wilmette Bowl) and The Wil-mette Bicycle and Sport Shop.

He attended St. Francis Xavier School and St. George High School in Evanston. His career included positions at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company and Xerox Corporation. At Xerox, he excelled as one of their top salesmen and received numerous awards for his achievements.

John was an avid fisherman, golfer, and sports enthusiast, deeply dedicated to the Wilmette commu-nity. For many years, he and his wife, Phyllis, actively participated in a neighborhood "Volleyball For-ever" group. His passion for sports extended to volunteering as a baseball coach and umpire. In addi-tion, he also served as president of The Warming House, a nonprofit teen drop-in center in Wilmette.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Phyllis Sobers Balmes, as well as their three daughters, Elizabeth Cullen, Carolyn Trompeter, and Jeannine Marran. John also leaves behind six grandchildren: Daniel (Sarah) Cullen, Brian (Sarah) Cullen, Tyler (Jessica) Wall, Ashley Wall (Alex Wislow), Luke, and Calvin Marran, along with six great-grandchildren: Jordan Cullen, Jaxon, and Hud-son Wall, and Troy, Abby, and Lincoln Wislow. He is further survived by a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Balmes, and his mother, Anna Schildgen Balmes. He also had six sisters—Anna, Theresa, Ruth, Helen, Florence, and Patricia—and one brother, Philip.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Youth and Family Services- The Warming House

[email protected] 847-251-6630, 825 Green Bay Road #200 Wilmette, IL. 60091

Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM, followed by a service at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2024, at W.H. Scott's Funeral Home in Wilmette. The burial will be private.