Jim Liedberg

James “Jim” Liedberg, age 62, of Batavia, IL, most recently of Crossville, TN, passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2018, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN, with his wife, Lisa by his side.
He was born on August 30, 1955, in Aurora, IL, to proud parents, Andrew “Andy” and Florence “Pete” (Mason) Liedberg. Jim spent his entire life in Batavia, where he attended local schools. He graduated from Batavia High School with the class of 1973. Jim was a musician in the band, making his mark not only with fellow band mates, but in every class, especially the girls whom he gave rides to school in his Chevy Nova. He continued his education at Waubonsee Community College, receiving an Associate Degree in Computer Science.
Jim met the angel of his heart, Lisa Underwood, at Elburn Ambulance. While washing and waxing her black Camero, Lisa caught his eye and soon thereafter Jim caught her phone number through a friend. Rumor has it, if it had been a Ford Mustang, Jim would have walked away without a second thought. When they were picking out a wedding day, Jim’s only request was that they pick a date that he could remember. Lisa just didn’t want it to be too hot. Jim picked May 11, 1985, specifically because 5-11 is the code for the biggest fire you could have in Chicago. They made their home on Batavia’s west side for six years before buying a home on Van Nortwick Ave. They filled the house with 22 years of love, laughter and memories before moving to Crossville, TN.
Jim’s first job was bagging groceries at the Jewel while he was in high school. It was there that he got his nickname, “Jimmy Jewel”. He saved all of his money, even down to scattered pennies, in order to buy a brand new 1976 Blue Chevy Camaro. After Jewel, Jim began working in the information services department at Barber Greene, originally located in Aurora. The company later moved to DeKalb. AGCO would soon purchase Barber Greene before Caterpillar bought AGCO. Jim spent nearly 39 combined years, through all of the transitions, before retiring in 2015. Jim and Lisa moved to Crossville, TN a year later in 2016, with the help of his firefighter brothers.
Jim dedicated 36 years of his life and service to the Batavia Fire Department, many of those as an Engineer and was on the Apparatus Spec Committee in several of Batavia’s fire apparatus. He was an officer of the Batavia Fire Department Benevolent Association. Jim was also a member of the Fire Buffs of IL as well as SPAAMFAA.
In his younger years, Jim was an avid Fire Apparatus Photographer and travelled to conventions with his fellow Fire Buffs across the country. After Jim and Lisa were married, she became his co-pilot, taking photographs while Jim concentrated on slides. At a special convention in Milwaukee, Jim and Lisa joined Jeff Schielke, Mark Mitchell and Bill Friedrich otherwise known as the “Blitz Brothers”, together they took more pictures of apparatus in one day than other groups could take in a week. That hobby not only got them to visit many corners of the country, it also gave them a network of good friends from sea to shining sea. Jim and Lisa also enjoyed an annual gathering of Fire Buffs, who were in charge of distributing the book, The Visiting Firemen, a listing of all the Fire Buffs in the world. Included in the book were not just the names of members, but black and white photographs and a list of those active duty men and women who lost their lives protecting their communities. Jim also collected fire truck toys, eventually building a collection that boasted hundreds.
Jim’s passion for cars was evident in the meticulous care he gave his beloved Camaro, which he showed off at numerous car shows. The only time it was driven was when it was a sunny, dry day, from spring to fall. Their special drives were never complete without the promise of a wash and wax before parking it back in the garage. It was put in “retirement” for twenty years after Thomas was born, but John Rogerson, who was storing the Camaro together with Thomas, Lisa and other friends began to restore it in secret. The plan was to surprise Jim with an unveiling of his signature ride in time for the 50th Anniversary of the Chevy Camaro, which was the theme of last years Big Rock Car Show. As it rolled around the corner by John’s home, the sight of it’s arrival brought tears to Jim’s eyes. Reunited once again, Jim brought home a trophy from the Big Rock Car Show, which has been proudly displayed in his home ever since. His love of racing extended to Indy cars, as well as NASCAR, especially the #3, black Goodwrench Chevrolet, driven by the one and only Dale Earnhardt, Sr. They attended many races across the United States, eventually bringing in their son Thomas for fun, making it a family pastime. About a third of the way through his first race at Daytona, Thomas, complete with ear protection, fell asleep on his father’s lap, defying the tower of noise emanating from the track, much to the chagrin of his parents and other spectators. No matter how you knew him, you loved him. A friendship with Jim was everlasting, as are the treasured memories he made with one and all.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of almost 33 years, Lisa Liedberg; one son, Thomas Liedberg; and his faithful companion, Jethro, a beagle who made a home on Jim’s lap for hours at a time on a daily basis; aunts, uncles, cousins and a family of friends across the country.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Andy and “Pete” Liedberg and two precious dogs, Riley and Zoey.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 21st at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Rd., Batavia, IL 60510. Retired pastor, the Rev. Ron Weidler, will officiate with interment to follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Jim’s name. Checks may be made to the “James Liedberg Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Any donations made to the “James Liedberg Memorial” are to be split evenly to HELP: Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets and the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. Tributes may be forwarded to the same address, on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or at www.conleycare.com.

A service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 21st at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Rd., Batavia, IL 60510. Retired pastor, the Rev. Ron Weidler, will officiate.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

A interment to follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia.