James McNamara

James P. McNamara

"Mac"

Age 67 of Joliet passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Born March 14, 1947 in Joliet, James was the son of the late Raymond and Helen L. (Boland) McNamara. He was raised in Joliet and graduated from Lincoln Way High School with the class of 1965. Mac entered the United States Marines on March 1, 1967 and was stationed at Chu Lai, Vietnam. He served with the First Marine Aircraft Wing (VMFA-314) as an Aircraft Missile Control Technician and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. After returning home from the service, Mac began his career by enrolling in a four year manufacturing course with Caterpillar Tractor Company. Following graduation he ran machines until being promoted to a Special Training Advisor. It was that role that later lead him to becoming a Manufacturing Supervisor. The remainder of his career was in the hydraulic divisions (valves), and Mac retired as Operations General Supervisor for hydraulic, machining and assembly. Mac was a life member of the VFW Cantigny Post 367 in Joliet; he belonged to Joliet HOG and ABATE, and was an APA member who played pool for Dealers Choice. Mac was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, and in his retirement, truly enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter: Colleen (Richard) Guinto of Joliet; four grandchildren: Andrew, Bradley, Danielle and Nathan Guinto and longtime girlfriend: Kim McCammon.

James was preceded in death by his father Raymond D. McNamara, mother Helen L. Calcaterra, step-father: Louis Calcaterra, sister Mary Sandra McNamara and his son Sean P. McNamara.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Blackburn-Geigerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road in Joliet (815-744-4444).

Funeral services will follow Wednesday September 3, 2014, meeting at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 North Raynor Avenue in Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Pete Jankowski officiating.

Burial and full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP. (815/476-2181)