James Wolff

James “Jim" Wolff, an internationally recognized engineer and deeply cherished member of his family and community, died on June 8, 2025. He was 88.

Born in Chicago to George and Agnes Wolff, Jim attended Steinmetz High School. Jim met Rosalie LaRosa, his future wife of 62 years, when he was 19 years old. The way Jim tells it, he impressed Rosalie with his skills as a saxophone player. After Jim earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Illinois, Jim and Rosalie married in 1959 at Our Lady of Victory Church and moved in with Rosalie and her mother on Wilson Avenue, where they would live for the remainder of their lives. Rosalie died in 2022.

Jim is survived by his beloved children: Michael Wolff (Mary Kennedy), Laura Wolff Scanlan (Tim Scanlan), and Denise Oetinger (Doug Oetinger); his six grandchildren, to whom he was exclusively known as Papa: Sam Wolff (Lauren Nasi) and Luke Wolff; Michael Scanlan (Rachel Scanlan) and Brian Scanlan (Jenna Hokanson); and Alexandra Oetinger and Dominic Oetinger; and three great-grandchildren: Sophia, Maxwell, and Emma, who affectionately refer to him as Papa RoRo. He was lovingly and patiently cared for by Candy, Lydia, Aleida, and Nick who fostered Jim’s love of music giving him so much joy and purpose.

Jim worked at Wrigley Gum for most of his professional career, retiring in 2016, during which he was recognized as a mentor to generations of engineers and received many honors, including Innovator of the Year. He also holds patents for his machine designs.

The son of a mailman and piano teacher, Jim blazed his own trail and travelled the world, including working on a fishing boat in Alaska, traveling to Australia, China, Russia, and Europe for work, seeing the bulls run in Pamplona, biking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route across Spain in his 60s, and traveling often to Italy with Rosalie and family. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the cabin on Stella Lake, Wisconsin, where his parents had previously lived.

Across his life, Jim’s passions have included karaoke, playing the harmonica, family trips, scuba diving, bicycling, Jimmy Buffett, avoiding red-light cameras, Star Trek, sailing, photography, doomsday prepping, attending festivals, and playing in a band. His annual Fourth of July parties, which at times drew over 100 guests, and always included blowing off a wreath of thousands of firecrackers perched on his homemade wooden stand.

Above all, Jim was a fierce advocate for his family, whom he supported unconditionally, particularly in their academic and creative endeavors. Jim regularly attended concerts, plays, recitals, and graduations, and he will be remembered for his active presence, participation, and support of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim this July 4th by lighting a sparkler or blowing off a firecracker in his honor.

Visitation for Jim will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge, Illinois. Interment will be private at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Il.