James Bielanski, 68; loving husband of Lydia nee Ryzewski; fond son of the late Stanley and June; cherished cousin of Christine (James) Bertucci and Sandra (John) VanMersbergen; dear friend to many. James was a Professional Engineer for 30 years at AT&T. Long time member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included model railroad cars, vintage cars and antique passenger aircrafts. He will be remembered for his contributions to Classic Toy Trains Magazine.
Visitation Thursday 10 AM until Mass 11 AM at St. Eugene Church, 7958 W. Foster Ave. Interment at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, 87th Street & S. Hamlin Ave, Evergreen Park at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Gibbons Family Funeral Home, Ltd.
5917 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60634-2618
James E. Bielanski
Tribute Video
Visitation Date
04/09/2026
–
04/09/2026
Service Location
Funeral Mass
St. Eugene Catholic Church
7958 W Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60656
Interment
Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery
87th Street & S. Hamlin
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
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Our deepest condolences to you, Lydia. You will be in our prayers as we pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Rest easy, Jim. You will be missed!
Jim and I were close friends during our early years at St. Ethelreda in the Beverly-Brainard neighborhood on Chicago’s Southside.
We participated in Boy Scouts and played guitars together at our monthly First Friday Masses at St. Ethelreda in the late 60s.
(In fact, Jim and I were together at his house playing with his model train set when the 1967 tornado hit our neighbor-
hood after it had destroyed the Oak Lawn Roller Rink).
As time passed we reconnected at our 20 yr St.Ethelreda Class Reunion, this time as two married career professionals.
We kept in touch since then and I was honored to have Jim and his lovely wife Lydia attend my Navy Retrement party in 2015.
Our Lord must have seen that special person in Jim that I had experienced as Jim was called to God on Easter Sunday.
Jim thanks for those wonderful care-free times we shared growing up in the old neighborhood and for being a life-long friend.
May you rest in God’s peace my friend.
Bill Gump
St. Ethelreda Class of 1971
Jimmy – we will miss you! Your crazy & outspoken ways will be remembered by all. I remember all of us sitting at the cafeteria table in the I.I.T. Hub – all of us working on homework and comparing notes; Steve, Bill, Wence, Fred, Jerry, Eddie, & Bruce – may we all be together again one day!
We are so sorry to hear about Jim, Lydia. Keeping you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Jim, my fellow EE major at IIT, remembering all our times together, skipping class at IIT to go to the White Sox Home opener, finding the hidden transmitter on the Ham Radio Fox Hunts, and hanging out with Bruce and Steve at the IIT HUB and BOG, may Heaven welcome you with open arms, rest in peace my friend.
Kristine Kazik’s and Casey jr. We remember your pleasant visits her on Nashville. The birthdays and Wanda’s parties You were always gracious and pleasant over twenty years
Lydia, so sorry to hear the news about Jim. He was a nice guy and well-remembered.
Jack Flynn
St. Ethelreda 1971
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Lydia, very sad to hear about Jimmy. He was a good guy and is well remembered.
Jack Flynn, St. Ethelreda Class of 1971.
Lydia, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts go with you and your family at this time. May his memory be a blessing.
Lydia, I’m so sorry for your loss. May the loving memories surround you and your family during this difficult time.
Lydia,
Wishing you peace and comfort in the days that follow. Jim was a good man with a wicked sense of humor that will be missed by many. Xoxo
Lydia, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. May God give you the strength to go through this difficult time.
I am so saddened about Jimmy. He was a wonderful person. He was one of my favorite cousins with his sense of humor and caring spirit. He always made me feel loved and cared for. I have many fond memories of him.He will be missed.
Lydia, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy. I was out of the country in Turkiye when I heard the news. Sorry JoJo (Jim’s goddaughter) and Keith couldn’t make the service in my absence.