James M. Toolis, 81, a retired buyer for the Chicago Transit Authority, died Saturday in Brentwood Rehabilitation Center, Burbank. Mr. Toolis, who was born in Chicago, served in Okinawa with the U.S. Army during World War II. He drove buses for the Chicago Transit Authority and then later became a buyer. He retired in 1980 after more than 30 years of work there. Mr. Toolis was past president of the St. Lawrence High School Fathers Club and post commander of Cameron-Butler American Legion Post. Mr. Toolis was active in his church and for 15 years, ran a coffee shop for seniors at St. Barnabas Church with his wife, Rose Toolis. “He loved Shakespeare but he was very humble and unassuming,” said his son, Michael Toolis. Mr. Toolis was once recruited to play major-league baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics, but his mother refused to let him play. Other survivors include five daughters, Marilyn Kane, Kathleen McGarry, Lita Jennings, Barbara Styzzynski and Betty Steinhable; a sister, Margaret Stroup; 19 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday in Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave, Chicago. Services will begin at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday from the funeral home to St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Drive.
