James V. Baranoski, Sr.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, James (Jim) Baranoski, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home with his family at his side. Jim's abrupt passing was due to late stage, glioblastoma of the brain.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 ½ years, Sharon Baranoski (nee Patrick), his three sports minded sons Jim Baranoski, Jeff and Tracy (nee Wills) Baranoski and J.R. and Carissa (nee Lundeen) Baranoski, his "most beautiful daughter" Debbie Baranoski. Ten beautiful and cherished grandchildren, Madison Gombosi, Morgan Prosise, Lexi Baranoski and Lanie Baranoski, Brek and Brooklyn Baranoski, Alia, Tyler and Taryn Baranoski, Step-Grandson, Logan McGowan, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime best friends Rick Doyle and Manny Santos and many other friends.

Jim was born on July 13, 1944 in Lemont, IL to Peter and Theresa Baranoski (nee Labicki). He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1962 and attended Joliet Junior College. Jim was drafted in 1965 into the Army, where he proudly served from 1965 to 1971. He was a very proud Veteran of the U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry Division 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Theresa (Labicki), sister Evelyn (Baranoski) & brother-in-law Bill Schultz, Christine (Baranoski) Richard (Brother-in-law) Diaz, his brother, Robert Baranoski and sister-in-law Donna (Schultz) Baranoski.

Jim worked for 3M National Advertising Company, as a Senior Account Executive for 17 years. He later joined the graphic communication company Color Arts in Wisconsin as a National Account Manager. He was very proud of his alliance with the McDonald's Corporation, Paul Mitchell Systems and many others national accounts. In 2006, Jim and longtime colleague/friend, Karen Rybakowicz, created Fusion Graphic Resource Partners Inc. Jim remained employed until his passing, as he always said, "Find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life".  Jim's love for music and playing the drums was a passion that entertained our family throughout our lifetime. Family events always included drum solos, singing, dancing, and a lot of laughs. Jim was especially proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending numerous dance recitals, baseball and softball games, graduations, and Veterans Day school ceremonies. If you've ever shared a meal with Jim, you knew, that each meal was "the best meal ever!" Jim was a simple man who loved life and his annual trips to Maderia Beach. He started each day with a hot cup of black coffee from McDonald's, never went anywhere without his drumsticks, or his army baseball hat, and was usually wearing his favor color orange!

Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Monday, June 23rd from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00 AM. at Holy Family Church 600 Brook Forest Ave. Shorewood, IL. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad will be appreciated.