James Ream

Date of Birth

Jul 04,1953

Date of Death

Jul 17,2019

James Thomas Ream (Jim), 66, of Oswego, IL, passed away on July 17, 2019 after a brief illness. He was born on July 4, 1953, the son of Robert and Phyllis (Werthwein) Ream. He is a 1971 graduate of Marmion Military Academy and a 1975 graduate of Aurora University with a degree in Biology. His younger years were spent in Elburn, IL where he perfected his skills as a butcher working in his parents’ business, Ream’s Market and Quick Freeze, which is currently operated by his brother, Randy Ream, under the name Ream’s Meat Market and where Jim continued to work until the time of his death.
In addition to his career as an exceptional meat cutter, Jim was a gifted professional photographer doing portraiture, as well as commercial and industrial work for LD&A advertising in both the print and video media with his images appearing in literature throughout the country, in theatrical productions, and in the courtroom.
In 1975, Jim met Sharon Seib, the love of his life, whom he married on June 19, 1978 and adored for 41 years and the rest of his days. Together they raised three sons, Brian, Eric and Sean. Jim worked with Sharon as a tireless volunteer for Fox Valley Special Recreation, the Special Olympics and Easter Seals. He was a director of the Fine Line Arts Center in St. Charles, where he also created works in fired ceramics and molten glass. An expert skier, Jim also served as a member of the ski patrol at area ski resorts.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sons, Brian and Sean, his mother, Phyllis, his brother, Randy, and sister-in-law, Janelle, and their daughter, Jackie (Desmond), and two sons, Joel and Stewart.
He is preceded in death by his son, Eric, his father Robert, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Ruth Seib, and his brother-in-law James Seib.
Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m., with a remembrance service to celebrate his life to follow at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Friends are encouraged to bring their fondest, if not funniest, memories to share so that the light of his life shall never diminish.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to KCSO, Kendall County Family and Friends Special Olympics, 2420 Rock Creek Rd. Plano, IL 60545. Tributes may also be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m., with a remembrance service to celebrate his life to follow at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Friends are encouraged to bring their fondest, if not funniest, memories to share so that the light of his life shall never diminish.

Private family burial will follow at a later date.

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