Dr. Theodore G. James OBITUARY

Dr. Theodore G. James OBITUARY

Theodore G. “Ted” James, M.D., age 88, late of Tinley Park, IL, U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Bronze Star recipient. Beloved husband of Deborah James, née Rady. Loving father of Laura (Patrick) Palmer, Matthew (Marie Stein), Joseph T. (Tracy) Skarbek, Beth (Jonathan) Myers, and Kevin (Elizabeth) Skarbek. Proud and caring grandfather and great-grandfather. Dear brother and brother-in-law of the James and Rady families, and a friend to many. Ted dedicated his life to the care of others, serving as a physician for 61 years in Blue Island, IL. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. During the Vietnam War, Ted served in the U.S. Army as a battalion surgeon, a frontline medical officer responsible for the health and care of a combat battalion. For his service, Ted was awarded the Bronze Star. Ted was a lifelong adventurer – always on the move, always curious, and always looking for the next journey. He traveled across the country, driving his motorhome from Key West to Alaska. He loved being on the water and the open road, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with family and lifelong friends. Known for many adventurous pursuits, Ted was also especially proud of his award-winning Christmas decorations, most notably his world-class Christmas village display, which brought joy and wonder to all who saw it. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Funeral service will commence on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.