Jim Roller (Paul James)

Jim Roller, 83, of West Chicago, IL, a Naperville resident for over 60 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Madison, Wisconsin on June 14, 1943, the fifth of seven children of John Albert (Jack) and Izola (Babe) Roller.

Growing up, Jim and his family lived in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania before settling in Lisle, IL for his senior year in high school. He graduated from St. Procopius Academy (Benet Academy) in Lisle.

Jim met his lovely bride Joanie on his eighteenth birthday in 1961 while in Madison, Wisconsin at a family celebration, introduced by his cousins. Jim’s family had recently relocated to Lisle from Hazleton, PA. They began corresponding (and saved boxes of love letters), quickly fell in love and married in 1962. They raised their family in Naperville and over the years attended SS. Peter & Paul, St. Raphael, and were founding members at St. Thomas the Apostle, lending his voice to the choir at all three parishes.

Jim was a carpenter by trade and a construction manager. After retiring he focused on his love of woodworking, creating many beautiful treasures for his family and friends to enjoy. He loved traveling with Joanie, including many Canadian canoe trips in the early years. He was an avid camper and cherished his time at numerous Roller Family Campouts. He and Joanie loved their time in recent years RVing in their Barth motorhome, especially to Lettuce Lake in Florida and to visit his children and grandchildren. At home Jim enjoyed gardening, reading, and cooking. (His smoked brisket was enjoyed by everyone that knew him!) He was a huge Cubs fan, watching most games with Joanie and hanging his cherished “W” flag on the front of their house. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Fighting Irish. We will miss his quick wit, larger than life smile, his endless stories, and his warm hearty laugh.

He is survived by the love of his life, Joan Katherine (Vogel) Roller, married for 61 years. Together they raised six children, Amy (Jerry) McKeown, Sara (Tadd) Gruenewald, Rebecca O’Keefe (Joshua Safford), Jeremy Roller (Julie Kortum), Peter (Amanda) Roller, and Jonathan (Amber) Roller. He will be forever missed by his eighteen grandchildren: Jenna, Maya, Jeremy, Morgan, Turner, Connor, Ethan, Abigail, Audrey, Christina, Jae, Jada, Jonathan, Elijah, Jack, Sofia, Jinora, and Josiah, and three great grandchildren, Baylie, Anthony, and Miles. Jim is also survived by his identical twin Jack, brother Bill, sister Rose, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Barb & Kathy, and his brother Dave.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville IL. A funeral mass will be celebrated immediately following at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

It was Jim’s wish to help further medical research and education, so he made the decision to donate his body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. Internment at a later date will be at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.