James Reeder

Dr. James “Jim” Allen Reeder of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away early Monday morning, July 29, 2019 at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL. He was 57 years old. Jim was surrounded by family and friends, including his husband of more than 27 years, Dr. Gregory Michael Sarlo, when he died of complications related to double organ failure. Jim was born and raised in Sacramento CA. The son of Mary Jo (Hargon, Reeder) Kilker and Marcus Reeder, Jim is survived by his mother, his sister Julie Perry and her husband Vince Perry, his stepmother Florence Reeder, as well as four step siblings: Carole Stothart, Robin (Jeff) Squires, Chris (Mary) Kilker, and Tracy (Lynn) Astle. Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, his step-father Bob Kilker, and two step siblings: Robert E Kilker and Kathy Sheets. Jim will be dearly missed by his dear friends Dr. Daniel Brewer, Karen and Nicholas Harkovich, and countless others, as well as his beloved fur-babies Annie, Rosie, and Sophia.Jim was a life-long learner. Jim completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University. As a young adult Jim became a Roman Catholic Jesuit, leading him to live in Madrid Spain where he worked as an educator and studied philosophy for several years. After leaving the Jesuits Jim began a long career in healthcare administration and patient advocacy, working as a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist for over 20 years. He worked for nearly 19 years in physician credentialing for Lurie Children’s Hospital. In 2008 Jim graduated from Northwestern with a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety. Jim worked for over six years for The American College of Surgeons in physician validation and credentialing as well as continuing medical education. Recently, in January 2018, Jim graduated from Waldon University with his PhD in Public Policy and Administration with an Emphasis on Public Health. Most recently Jim worked at Cook County Hospital as Director of Medical Staff Services. After moving to Chicago from San Diego in 1993 Jim quickly joined the Windy City Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as Windy City Slickers, where he sang for more than seven years, and where he met his beloved husband Gregory. Jim was a complicated man, who was a Reiki Master, singer, and musician, and who also loved television and old game shows. Many remember Jim for his intelligence and integrity, while others remember his bright smile, his striking blue eyes, his quick wit, and his amazing sense of humor. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.Jim will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hillside, IL. Jim expressed a desire to have a party to celebrate his life. A Celebration of Life Memorial for Jim has been arranged at Park Ridge Community Church 100 Courtland Ave. Park Ridge, IL 60068 for Saturday August 31, 2019 at 11:00am.In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate is welcome to contribute through Jim’s GoFundMe page:https://www.gofundme.com/f/jim-reeder-and-greg-sarlo-medical-expenses?sharetype=teams&member=2591862&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=fbf8e229317b4b3197865de51ea75e65