James E. "Jim" Long

James E. "Jim" Long 80, of DeKalb passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL.  He was born January 4, 1941 in DeKalb, IL to Ernest and Helen (Huhta) Long.

Jim attended DeKalb High School and later joined the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 aircraft carrier.

Along with his two brothers, Jim owned Long's Bus Company for many years.  After leaving the bus business, Jim started his own business repairing laser printers.  After retirement Jim spent many happy times volunteering with the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission driving "his vets" to medical appointments.  He cared about each and every veteran and truly loved what he did.

Jim married Patricia Mulligan with whom he had his daughter, Lori.  Jim later met Jodi Bergeron in 1995 and in November of 2003 they married in St. Thomas, V.I.  They spent many happy years together traveling, sitting on the front porch talking with neighbors, spending time with friends and family, or just holding hands.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially loved Thursday night dinners with his family.  Jim was an outgoing, selfless, and caring person.  He loved people and people loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Jodi, daughter Lori, brother Chuck, sister-in-law Pam (Brian), and grandchildren Claudia, Alicia, and James along with cousins and countless friends.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, and his beloved cat, Red.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 3:00pm-6:00pm with a memorial service at 6:00pm at Finch Funeral Home with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating.  Full military honors by American Legion Post #66 will be immediately following the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission, in honor of Jim.  Cremation was handled by Finch Crematory and Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.