James W. Shanahan

James W. Shanahan, of Melrose Park, formerly of Oak Park and Northbrook, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2021 at the age of 90. James was the beloved husband of 65 years to Karen (nee O’Shaughnessy) and loving father of Kevin (Laura) Shanahan, Kathleen (Christopher) Ritten, David (fiance Darlene DeRouchey), Paul and Michael Shanahan; adoring grandfather of Julie (Andrew Morris), Lisa, Brian and Molly Shanahan, Claire, Sarah, Maria, Anne and Bridget Ritten, Christopher (Katie) Shanahan, Katelyn (Peter) Schumacher and Kevin Shanahan, and great-grandson Henry Shanahan.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Agnes (Corcoran) and Jeremiah Shanahan, brother Edmond and sister Mary Catherine. 

He was a proud graduate of Fenwick High School (‘49) and Loyola University of Chicago (‘53). Jim was in the paper business for over sixty years. He was the consummate salesman who never met a stranger. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, cheering on his grandchildren at any and all extra-curricular activities, and attending a good Irish wake.  He was a faithful reader of the daily obituary page and would be honored that others are reading his obituary today.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park, on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (Mass will be livestreamed).

In lieu of flowers, donations to Fenwick High School, 505 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 (fenwickfriars.com) or Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois, 60660 would be greatly appreciated.

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