Cover photo for James Earl Lough Iii's Obituary
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1979 James 2015

James Earl Lough Iii

February 26, 1979 — January 3, 2015

James Earl Lough III, age 35 of Frankfort, IL and formerly of Marshall, MI and Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2015 after a heroic 8 year fight against leukemia.

Born on February 26, 1979, Jim was the first born and much loved son of James Earl Lough II and Sheryl (Anschuetz) Lough. An extremely bright and hard working student, he graduated from Marshall High School where he excelled in both academics and sports. Jim then went on to earn a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He loved learning and went on to further his education by earning a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. He then fulfilled his goal of becoming an attorney and worked as a litigator for several years.

Jim met and married his soul mate and love of his life, Sandra (Fleischman) Lough. Sands was his best friend and one true love who faithfully and lovingly stood by his side throughout their life together. She then gave him the most precious gifts of his life, his adorable 4 year old twins, Madison and Beckett. It was apparent to everyone that Jim was an incredible father and husband and the strength with which he battled his illness came directly from their unending love and support. Jim was happiest when he was spending time with family and friends. He had an extraordinary love for his entire family. He cherished his parents, who were his biggest supporters, rejoicing with him in his health and happiness, and agonizing with him in his pain and disappointments. Jim and his siblings, Melissa (Lough) Kowalske, Ashleigh Lough, and Jeff Lough, shared a special closeness admired by all. He was a proud big brother and set a great example of what a man should be. He was their trusted advisor and friend.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmothers, Doris LaPorte and Mollie Lough-Bettencourt and his grandfather, James Earl Lough. Jim was treasured by his grandfather, Lawrence LaPorte, adored by his many aunts and uncles, and looked up to by his cousins and niece.

Jim had a great love for sports, especially basketball and golf. He was intelligent, funny, kind-hearted, incredibly hard working and easy to love. Always smiling and laughing, his energy and enthusiasm lit up a room. Jim was that extraordinarily rare person who knew that what really mattered in life was his relationships, loving his family and friends, and being a good dad. Using the gifts God gave him, Jim used his intelligence, humor, kindness, and strength to make the world better. Jim did not lose, but won his fight against cancer in that he was able to accomplish in these last few years more than most healthy people do in a lifetime. Jim touched so many and taught us all so much about living with strength, positivity, and grace in the face of adversity and pain. He loved and appreciated life and never stopped fighting for it. He never felt sorry for himself. He laughed and smiled through pain and fear through his very last day trying to make it easier for all of us. We are all better for knowing him. His sunny spirit will forever live in our hearts until we meet again one day.

Visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423 on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 3:00 until 9:00pm. Funeral on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 in the funeral home chapel at 9:15am leaving for St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox for a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort IL. In lieu of flowers donations for a college fund for twins Madison and Beckett can be made by check payable to Bright Directions and given directly to Sandra Lough.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Earl Lough Iii, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

3:00 - 9:00 pm (Central time)

Kurtz Memorial Chapel - New Lenox

102 East Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451

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Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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