Jim Ekstrom

Jim Ekstrom, age 61, of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly of St. Charles, IL, passed away unexpectedly February 22, 2016.

He was born, one of twins, October 14, 1954, in Geneva, IL, the son of Roger and June (Gregor) Ekstrom.

Jim grew up in Wasco and attended local schools.

Jim heard the call of his country at the young age of 17. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 17, 1972. Though he volunteered to go to Vietnam, he was instead assigned to a missile station as a Hercules Fire Control Crewman in Korea for a year and was eventually honorably discharged on July 16, 1974. He remained in the Army Reserves for several years.

Jim returned to civilian life and worked locally at several businesses, as well as the Campton Township.

Jim met his future wife at a friends’ wedding, but it wasn’t until a few years later that he walked down the aisle himself. Jim and Debbie Tanner were united in marriage on March 31, 1985.

They began their new life together in Idaho for a time, and were blessed with two daughters, Rebecca and Tara. Later they moved to Council Bluffs, IA, but his country called on him once again on October 11, 1990. Jim returned to his brothers in arms and fought in Desert Storm during the Gulf War. He returned once again to hearth and home in Council Bluffs on July 3, 1991. They continued to raise their family but eventually they went their separate ways, though to both Jim and Debbie’s credit, they stayed the best of friends. In 2012, Jim moved to West Palm Beach, FL where he worked at the VA Hospital.

Jim loved to fish and lived for the outdoors. He proved his worth not only in the Army, but whenever he went target shooting as well. His mischief was legendary in some circles; and what Jim didn’t think of first, his twin brother surely did. His exploits were sometimes larger than life, but his heart was even bigger. His love for his daughters and grandchildren was endless and his memory will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his two daughters: Rebecca Ekstrom and Tara (Jonathan) McCarty; three grandchildren: Robert Loudon, Gabrielle Loudon and Maxwell McCarty; four siblings: Gary (Kris) Ekstrom, Kathy (Bob) Lindsten, his twin brother Jerry (Debbie) Ekstrom and Penny Ekstrom; his former wife Debbie Ekstrom; two aunts: Mrs. Doris Stewart and Mrs. Gloria Gregor; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.

He is preceded by his parents, Roger and June Ekstrom.

Graveside services begin at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Garfield Cemetery, St. Charles, IL. The family will host an informal celebration of life at Elburn American Legion at 12:30 p.m., Saturday April 16, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Jim’s name to benefit disabled veterans. Checks may be made to the “James Ekstrom Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and visit www.conleycare.com for his full life story.

The family will host an informal celebration of life at Elburn American Legion at 12:30 p.m., Saturday April 16, 2016.

The family will host an informal celebration of life at Elburn American Legion at 12:30 p.m., Saturday April 16, 2016.

Graveside services begin at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Garfield Cemetery, St. Charles, IL.