James Alexander Abbott, age 86, of New Lenox passed away peacefully on Saturday April 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family while under hospice care. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Claire, and four children: Ken (Dorothy) Abbott, Dale (Steve) Gibson, Audrey (Jim) Murdie, and Andrew Abbott. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Amy, Wendy, James, Marcus, Jenna, Jason, and Jessica; as well as one great-grandchild, Jimmy. His brother, Jack, is predeceased. The son of John and Sarah Abbott, James was born on July 18, 1929 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1953, during which time he married his bride Claire in Norfolk, Virginia. After an honorable discharge, he was a longtime employee of the Atlas Supply Company, a division of Standard Oil. He moved to the Chicago area with his family to work as a field representative for Atlas, eventually being promoted to Chicago Area Manager. James retired from Atlas in 1985, but remained tirelessly active for the remainder of his life. In addition to his various volunteer jobs, he worked for twenty years as a courier for Saint James Hospital in Chicago Heights, Illinois. James is remembered for always standing tall, with a spring in his step, a joke to tell, and an easy laugh. He was the kind of person who you could count on. He had a generous spirit, loved to cook (and eat!), and thought of his family often – expressed through newspaper articles, notes, and crossword puzzle dates. James' indomitable outlook kept him strong and fighting the good fight to the end. Private services were held. In memoriam donations may be made to Cornerstone Services (Development Department, 777 Joyce Road, Joliet, Illinois 60436). Arrangements were entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan, IL 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com