James McClean

Jim McClean

Age 71 of Braceville and formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully at home Saturday evening, February 11, 2017.

Born February 26, 1945 in Chicago, James Elliott was a son of the late George and Edna (Gorski) McClean.  Jim grew up in Summit and Charleston before moving with his family to Joliet at the age of eight. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School with the class of 1963. Jim's main passion was racing and in May of 1966 he began racing midget cars at Joliet Memorial Stadium. Throughout his racing career he set numerous track records, had over 100 wins and was inducted into the Mazon Speed Bowl / Grundy County Hall of Fame in 2004. Jim worked as a truck driver for Hoffman Transportation until retirement in 2011. He was a member of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, The Miller/Offenhauser Historical Society and was active with the Mazon Speed Bowl.

Survivors include his two daughters: Suzette Costillo of Tinley Park and Ericka Wilson-Heaton of Sumpter, South Carolina; six grandchildren: Juan, Julian, Christian and Adrian Costillo and Jenna and T.J. Wilson; one sister-in-law: Janice McClean of Braceville; lifelong best friend and caregiver: Valerie Carter of Coal City; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends, including: Al (Sandra) Harris of Elwood, Bruce (Linda) Field of Lockport, Aaron (Helen) Willis of Coal City, Mickey Yeager of Joliet and Dick Lubbers of Midlothian.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Ronald McClean.

Friends are invited for a celebration of Jim's life on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.

Green flameless cremation rites will be accorded.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jim's memory to the Grundy County Speedway - Mazon Speed Bowl Hall of Fame.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Jim's memorial page on social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Life celebration arrangements and green flameless cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home. (815-476-2181)