James F. Harrigan

James (Jim) Francis Harrigan

1942 to 2024

 James (Jim) passed away from this life in Santa Clara, CA on July 14, 2024, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends from near and far. He was born October 18, 1942 to William F and Margaret H (nee Ruettiger) Harrigan of Joliet, IL.

Growing up with his four siblings in Joliet IL, his childhood was filled with bottling milk from the Ruettigers farm in the dairy building behind the family homestead on Pine Street. Later, he helped at the family restaurant, Ruettigers Pine Room, on Western Ave. He enjoyed the neighborhood and spent many days playing basketball, baseball, and collecting stamps from Mrs. Abbet.

Jim graduated from St. Johns school in Joliet and later from Joliet Catholic High in 1960.

He served our nation as an Army Artillery Surveyor, was designated as a Rifle Sharpshooter and awarded the National Defense Service Metal.

After moving to California, he worked as an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer. Jim enjoyed his yearly trips to Joliet to visit with family and friends.

Jim is survived by sister Kathleen (Dean deceased) Harrigan-Smith of Shorewood, brother Richard (Beth) Harrigan of Indiana and sister-in-law Dorris Harrigan. Nieces and nephews MaryKay Larson, Christopher (Melissa) Harrigan, Margaret (Paul) Callaghan, Charles (Jennifer) Harrigan, Jennifer (Jack) Clark, Michelle (Steven deceased) Detmer, Richard (MAJ(P) Maria) Harrigan, Sarah (Steve) Hunter, Samantha (Louis) DiCamillo, Marilyn (Robb) Scholp, Christine Hernandez and Jolene Harrigan. Many great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. Dear special loving lifelong friends, Donna James and Toni Pepperdine.

Proceeded in death by his parents William F and Margaret (nee Ruettiger) Harrigan, sister Marilyn (Leonard) Larson, and brother William R (Dorris) Harrigan.

The family would like to thank the Thomas E. Hartung (Jim's Cousin) American legion post 1977 for their generous support of Jim's end of life care.

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military honors, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 4-8 p.m., prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children's hospital are appreciated.