James J. Muench, 95, died Saturday at the Presbyterian Home in Evanston. James was born June 7, 1909 in Newton, Kansas and graduated from DePaul University Law School in 1935. James practiced law in Chicago with his brother, Morgan, for 51 years. He married Frances Murray on May 27, 1939 and they lived together almost 62 years at their residence in Wilmette. They became Affiliates of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul in 1979 in recognition of their many years of volunteer service on behalf of Marillac High School. James was an avid student of the Spanish language and exercised his linguistic skills by providing free services at the legal clinic of the Howard Area Community Center. He also volunteered as a literacy tutor for the Pace Institute. In addition, James was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, maintaining a perfect attendance record for 52 years. He compiled a booklet of invocations used to open Kiwanis Club meetings. The booklet was officially adopted by Kiwanis International and distributed throughout the U.S. for membership use. In August of 2000 he received their George F. Hixson Fellow Award in recognition of his outstanding service. His brother, Morgan, of Evanston, survives him, as does his sister, Genevieve Madigan of Dallas, TX. James was the loving father of Richard (Carol), Ann, Judith (the late James Moore), Eileen and Celia (Ed Miller) Muench; proud grandfather of Richard Jr. (Katherine), Jeanne, Catherine (Kevin Hurley), Michael and Erin; dear great-grandfather of Carly and Jack. Visitation will be Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday from Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, to St. Joseph Church, Lake Ave. and Ridge Rd., Wilmette. Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Evanston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Marillac House, 212 S. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60612. Funeral info, 847-675-1990 or donnellanfuneral.com
