James Mowery

James Daniel Louis Mowery, 91, of Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, lifelong Cubs fan, passed away after a brief illness, January 28, 2025. He was born on June 3, 1933 in Chicago, IL, the fourth of eight children. He grew up in West Rogers Park on the far North Side and attended Boone Elementary and Senn High School, where he was a gifted athlete and student. An exceptional basketball and baseball player, Jim was double-promoted to graduate at sixteen and drafted by the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team, where he played second base for their Triple-A team in Arkansas. James married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Davis on May 3, 1951. They had three children: Debra (Michael) Suhajda, James (Kathy) Mowery, Jr. and Thomas (Edwina) Mowery. Sadly, Darlene passed away in childbirth. James married Kathleen A. Hanna on September 16, 1961, and they added children Andrew (Deborah) Mowery and Amy (Philip) Brines. Jim and Kathy were married for more than 55 years. James worked with his father Harry Mowery in the family painting business for many years, but after finding a wagon wheel along the Mississippi River, he was motivated to open an antique store of his own. Penn Dutchman Antiques was one of the largest antiques stores in Chicago and a staple of the Lincoln Square neighborhood for more than 40 years. He was also a mentor to the dozens of high school and college kids who worked for him throughout the years. James was a legend in the Lutheran Athletic Association basketball and 16-inch softball leagues. He played his last softball game at the age of 65 and was a well-respected coach and referee. However, his greatest legacy was his family. He had six children, thirteen grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He was known for his quick sense of humor, vast knowledge of Chicago history, including Chicago world’s fairs, his love of April Fool’s Day and devotion to his family and his faith. James and his wife Kathy were long-time members of both St. Philip Lutheran Church and Pilgrim Lutheran Church, both on the North Side. Jim was one of the few people to have attended all three World Series in which the Chicago Cubs played: 1938, 1945, and 2016. James is preceded in death by his parents Harry David Mowery and Sarah Engle Mowery; siblings Robert (the late Betty) Mowery, Mary (the late Tom) Loomis, Dorothy (Ron) Rohlicek, and Barbara Ryan; wives Darlene Diane (nee Davis) and Kathleen Ann (nee Hanna); and sons Richard (infant) and James. Visitation 10am-12noon, Saturday, February 1 at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 2500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. A funeral service and luncheon will follow the wake. Private family burial service at Rosehill Cemetery. To make a donation in James D. Mowery’s name, please choose St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

James Mowery

June 3, 1933 - January 28, 2025