Though he taught many subjects, longtime educator James Modec had a knack for getting students interested in mathematics. “Math was his passion,” said his wife, Ruth. Mr. Modec, 72, of Arlington Heights, died of complications from diabetes and cancer on Wednesday, Aug. 11, in Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin. Born in Eveleth, Minn., he graduated from Eveleth High School and studied at Eveleth Junior College. He served two years in the Army before returning to college in 1954. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he met his future wife, Ruth Kishel, also studying to be a teacher. They got married in 1958 and moved to Elgin. He taught at Wayne Elementary School in Elgin and in 1961 was hired by Arlington Heights School District 25. While teaching, Mr. Modec received a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. He retired in 1994. During the 1970s, he was president of the Arlington Teachers Association. Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Alicia Poreda; a son, Michael; brothers Dennis and Thomas; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday in Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights. A mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights.
