Jim Kotara, 53, a senior electrical engineer in the Chicago Tribune’s department of operations and engineering services, whose expertise contributed to the design and building of the paper’s Freedom Center printing and distribution plant, died of cancer Sunday, Feb. 18, in his Arlington Heights home. “Jim’s imprint is all over the Chicago Tribune,” said Dick Malone, senior vice president of operations. “He had an astounding knowledge of electrical engineering and its practical application.” Mr. Kotara, a joker with a ready desire to help others, started at the Tribune in 1968 as an intern while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He joined the paper full time in 1970 as an electrician in the production department, and over the years worked in the maintenance, facilities and circulation departments as well. He offered technical advice to Tribune Co. business units around the country, and recently had been recognized by the newspaper for his work in preparing the Freedom Center for a smooth Y2K rollover. “He thoroughly enjoyed his job. He liked to fix things,” said his wife of 31 years, Cherie. “We called him Mr. Wizard. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or find a way to fix it.” He was recognized earlier this month for his 30 years at the Tribune. In addition to his wife, Mr. Kotara is survived by two daughters, Jennie and Kimmie; his mother, Genece; a sister, Kathleen Kotara-Conway; and a brother, Daniel. A funeral mass will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 1152 Anderson Drive, Palatine.
