James C. "Jim" Mancini

James C. “Jim” Mancini, 74, of Gilberts IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born July 11th, 1951, in Chicago, the son of Mario and Elizabeth (Dulak) Mancini. He married Donna Oleferchik on July 12th, 1969, in Addison, IL. He dearly loved his family and his beloved dog, Gracie. Jim was a devoted volunteer at his church, serving as an usher; and was the inaugural Grand Knight of the Hampshire Illinois Knights of Columbus Council 13034. He was active within his local Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) and dedicated much of his time helping people in need through SVdP. He was grounded in his Catholic faith and tried to live his life according to the Word of God. He was very active for 30 years with the Rockford Diocese Cursillo Movement. Memorials in Jim’s name may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society of America. (https://ssvpusa.org/) Jim was a dedicated husband and father. He and his beautiful wife, Donna, met in high school and were married for 56 wonderful years. Donna and Jim were bonded in love and loyalty to each other. He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. Some of his favorite times were spent with his sons and grandchildren fishing for walleye at Gullrock Lake in Ontario, Canada. He also enjoyed camping and fishing on the Wisconsin River with lifelong friend, Terry Goheen, and spending time on the water in Brainerd, MN with his good friend, Bruce Lambin. He was a well-respected and proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 73 (SMW 73) in Chicago. He spent his career with Local 73 until his retirement in 2013. He loved his SMW 73 Brothers and made many friends throughout his career. Jim was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. He passed his love of White Sox baseball down to his 3 children, spending many days with them at the ballpark. These days were some of their fondest memories. He is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Daniel Mancini, Annamarie (Michael Dellutri) Craig, and William “Billy” (Lisa) Mancini; grandchildren, Christian (Anna), Will (Julia), Danny, Jenna (Kaden), and Emma; his sisters, Marilyn (Rocco Cribari) Barnhart, Connie Ardelean and the late Ron Ardelean, and many nieces and nephews. Brother and Sister In-Laws. Cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Betty Mancini; his infant son, Jimmy Mancini; sister, Nancy (Fuzz) Wunschel. Uncle, Marino (Jerry) Mancini, and brother-in-law, Steven Wendt. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 297 E. Jefferson Ave. In Hampshire from 4-8 pm with a prayer service starting at 7:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 297 E. Jefferson Ave, October 23rd. Burial will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Cemetery in Hampshire. For more Information please call: (847) 683-2711

James C. "Jim" Mancini

July 11, 1951 - October 15, 2025