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The following information was furnished by our classmate, Marty Schwartz:
Deceased Classmate: Jim Deerfield
Date Of Birth: April-15-1946
Date Deceased: March -13-2021
Age at Death: 74
Cause of Death: Complications from diabetes
Classmate City: Chicago and Chicago suburbs
Classmate State: IL
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Daughters Donna Deerfield and Cindy Murrun, brother Rick Deerfield, parents Eddie Deerfield and Sylvia Schwartz, ex-wife Geri, several grandchildren and the children of his late wife Gerri (Bach) Deerfield (also Class of '64)
It is with a heavy heart that I deliver the news that Jim Deerfield passed away early on the morning of March 13, 2021. Over the past several years he has been suffering complications from diabetes. Jim and I met freshman year at ETHS and became best friends, the closest thing I had to a brother. We were best man at each other's wedding and shared a love of Chicago sports teams. We had Bears season tickets together for 30 years, attended seven Super Bowls, went to probably a hundred Cubs games including the infamous Steve Bartman game with Wally Schnell and saw the first Bulls home game the team ever played in 1966. My great memories of Jim are too numerous to count.
A few years ago, Jim was visiting in Florida. Bob Reeder and I were able to spend an evening with Jim and Bill Bunce, who we pirated out of the assisted living facility where he was living in St. Petersburg. We had a most memorable night at a local sports bar that Bob and I will never forget. And now, Bill and Jim have passed away exactly one month apart. I will miss Jim greatly but I'm glad he is now at peace. I will pass along an obituary when it is available.
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Fred Brostoff
Posted on behalf of Dan Lorden:
I wish to express my heartfelt sadness in hearing of the passing of former classmate Jim Deerfield, a kind and considerate man. He will be missed.
Fred Brostoff
Written by our classmate, Marty Schwartz:
On June 14, 2021, Jim's remains were placed next to those of his late wife Gerri Bach Deerfield, also a member of the Class of '64, in the Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Following this private family ceremony, a group of around seventy friends and family members gathered at Mrs. P and Me restaurant in Mount Prospect for a casual luncheon hosted by Jim's daughters, Cindy Murrin and Donna Deerfield. In attendance were many of Jim's good friends from his high school days at ETHS. There were a few speeches and an afternoon of informal conversations amongst those who shared their memories and exchanged stories of times spent with Jim over the years. His impact upon both his ETHS classmates and others in his life will be sorely missed. There is no doubt that Jim will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Following are some photos taken at the memorial luncheon mentioned above.
The memories photo board displayed at the luncheon:
Many of Jim's ETHS friends gathered at the luncheon. At this table were (from left to right) Eric Barinholtz, Bob Reece, Rommie Taylor.
From left to right: Bob Reeder, Marty Schwartz, Eric Barinholtz, Bob Reece, Jack McCabe, Rommie Taylor.
Going around the table clockwise from: Fred Brostoff, Bob Reeder, Jack McCabe, Bob Reece, Lee Saberson, Jerri McCabe, Rommie Taylor, Shelly Brostoff.
...and I almost forgot to mention that Jim's sisters played Jim's favorite song, "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. That made everyone smile.
Rosanne Bass (Keynan)
Marty, I send heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jim. So difficult to lose two close, longtime friends within such a short time. --Rosanne Bass
Susan Spiegel (Pastin)
That was a beatiful obit, Marty!
I'm glad to see Mrs. P & Me restaurant in Mt. Prospect is still there! I may drive out and eat there sometime. My family used to eat there when my mother, who lived in Mt. Prospect and died at the end of 2016 at age 98, was still alive.
Terry Levine (Rose)
Jim was my neighbor when I was younger and my friend. He was a kind and gentle soul. I'm glad we got a dance in at our 50th reunion. He will forever remain a wonderful, warm memory in my heart.
Jacqueline Clare (Louis)
So sorry to hear of James passing. He was such a joyful person. I know many will miss him and his large personality. Rest In Peace.
Holly Romans (Green)
I didn't know Jim well, but I do know that he was born with a heart so big, that when you looked into his face, that heart totally enveloped you. He was a sweet and beloved member of our class. His magical gift was making anyone that connected with him, smile. He made all of us feel good. Despite all his ill health due to Diabetes, his positivity about life was inspiring. Thanks, Jim, for leaving all of us with happy memories. God speed!
Gale Glassner (Twersky)
I send my condolences to everyone who knew Jim, to all his family members and especially to his children. Many people have already mentioned what a wonderful man Jim was and I only can say ditto to what others already have said. I feel Jim was an exceptional man who opened his heart to everyone. And I feel blessed to have known him. May he reap many rewards on the other side for a job well done!
Rose Ann Lind (Verheyen)
Jim would always contact me when he would visit his mom and dad. His dad was about 5 miles from my home in New Port Richey. Gerri was the love of his life. The three of us would always have a great time together. They both kept me up fo date with friends in Florida. I will miss his phone calls and his visits. They are together again.
Kristine Masko (Fuller)
I knew of Jim when in high school and always thought of him as a really nice person. It is always sad when another classmate passes away. My image of myself is still back in my younger years and it is with much dismay that I realize I am no longer a spring chicken. That is why I was surprised that Jim passed. I still think of all my classmates as really young. Guess I better take a longer look in the mirror of life.
My condolences to the family. You have really lost a very special person. The class of '64 has lost yet another page in our history as a group. He will not be forgotten.