Jim McEldowney

James “Jim” McEldowney age 95, passed away, Tuesday, May 5th, 2026. Loving husband of Joanne (nee Sebben/Schreuder). Father of Jeffrey McEldowney, Janet (Kerry) Ober, Elizabeth (Laurie Brehm) McEldowney, stepfather of Holly Schreuder and Marnie Schreuder Miller. Grandfather of Heather, Kelsey, Jason, Timothy, Christopher and Jacqueline and was also a Great-grandfather. Brother of the late John (Charlotte) McEldowney. Devoted son of the late Florence (Jerry) and Earle McEldowney, descendants of early Chicago Heights, IL pioneer family.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force and subsequent graduation from the University of Illinois, Jim began his 45 year career in the life, group & health insurance business. The offices of McEldowney Financial Services were first in Chicago Heights, then Matteson, Olympia Fields and finally Frankfort, where he and Joanne lived at the time of his death.

During the first half of his career, Jim attained the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter and received industry recognition of Life Member of the Million Dollar Round table and the National Quality Award. He was Past President of the South Cook County Life Underwriters Association and the South Suburban Estate Planning Council.

Community activities included co-chairman of the Chicago Heights Area Forum and the Dr. Charles Gavin Community Health Center, Vice-President of Stable Association (a housing rehab organization in Chicago Heights), member of the Park Forest Lions Club, Past President of the Matteson Rotary Club, Board Member of Matteson School District 162, Past President of Prairie State College Foundation, recipient of 1983 Business Man of the Year Award from Prairie State College, and recipient of Gavin Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Jim & Joanne married in 1981 and, after Joanne joined Jim in McEldowney Financial Services that same year, they expanded Jim’s insurance services to include investments and financial planning. Both became Registered Representatives, Certified Financial Planners and Registered Investment Advisors and they worked as a team with all their clients.

They transferred their individual insurance and financial planning practice to another local financial planner when Jim retired in 2000 and Joanne continued servicing the Employee Benefits Consulting business. After Joanne’s semi-retirement in 2013 they took care of their Frankfort mini-ranch as well as their horses, dogs and cats, which they have enjoyed all through their marriage.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423 on Friday, May 15th, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will be private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth IL.