James Konsky

MORTON – James E. “Jim” Konsky, 73, of Morton, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 16, 2021, at The University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago.

He was born on October 23, 1947, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Edmund and Louise (DelVecchio) Konsky. He married Catherine Wenc on May 23, 1970, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East St. Louis, Ill.

Jim is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Cathy Konsky of Morton; his daughter, Sarah (Justin Clark) Konsky of Oak Park, Ill.; his son, Andrew (Grace) Konsky of Morton; and his four grandchildren, Jonah and Bennett Clark and Elliot and Landon Konsky. Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his family, and his family adored him.

Jim was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam era.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a major in political science and a minor in history. He also was a member of the undergraduate debate team. He then attended the University of Iowa, where he earned both a master’s degree in political science and a juris doctor degree.

Jim practiced law as an attorney with Vonachen, Lawless, Trager, and Slevin in Peoria for 41 years. He was a partner in the firm. He represented clients in a range of matters, in areas including government law, construction law, and general commercial law. He retired from practicing law in 2016.

Jim was an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton, where he was a Eucharistic minister. He served on the church’s finance committee and in many other volunteer roles. He also was an active member of the Peoria area Cursillo community, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his church study groups, where he and his friends learned, engaged in fellowship, and grew in their faith.

Jim was thoughtful, insightful, and wise. He was witty, and he had a great sense of humor. He was a man of deep faith. He always saw the good in people, and he regularly sought to help and support others. He was a role model for a life of gentle kindness, caring, and love.

Jim was an enthusiastic reader of books and articles on a wide range of topics. He modeled for his family the importance of engaging with new ideas and learning throughout life.

Jim was an avid sports fan. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals starting in childhood. He also enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Illinois State Redbirds, the Fighting Illini, and professional golf tours. He enjoyed playing rounds of golf with his son and friends.

Jim loved spending time with his friends and family. He cherished his friends. He adored being with his beloved wife Cathy. He treasured spending time with his two children and their spouses. And he found immense joy in playing, reading, and talking with his four grandsons.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton, with Fr. Mark DeSutter and Msgr. Gerald Ward officiating, and with Deacon Kevin Zeeb assisting. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 22 and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Friday, July 23, both at the church. Interment committal service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel in Peoria, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria area Cursillo, the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, or the American Cancer Society.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To view Jim’s online video tribute or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.